President Joe Biden commended Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his cooperation with the federal government in preparation for Hurricane Milton’s landfall. This statement comes after Vice President Kamala Harris criticized DeSantis for not responding to her phone call prior to the storm.
Biden emphasized that DeSantis has been cooperative and has received all necessary support from the White House. He even provided his personal phone number to the governor, ensuring open communication between them. Biden acknowledged the efforts of all governors from Florida to North Carolina in working collaboratively with the federal government.
Warning of the potential severity of Hurricane Milton, Biden stated that it could be the worst storm to hit Florida in over a century as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane.
Regarding the previous criticism from Harris, DeSantis expressed his unawareness of her attempt to contact him and reiterated his focus on managing the storm effectively. He highlighted that his primary concern is the safety and well-being of the people affected by the hurricane.
DeSantis confirmed that the federal government has provided all the necessary resources for dealing with the storm, ensuring a robust response. He mentioned that all state resources have been mobilized to address the impending damage.
Due to the escalating threat posed by Hurricane Milton, Biden postponed his international trip to oversee storm preparedness and response. He advised those under evacuation orders to heed the warnings for their safety.
The National Hurricane Center issued warnings of significant storm surges and heavy rainfall, posing a risk of flash flooding in several areas. The potential impact of the storm on Tampa Bay could be historic, with the last direct hit occurring in 1921.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor urged residents in vulnerable areas not to underestimate the danger posed by the storm surge. She emphasized the importance of evacuating to avoid potentially life-threatening situations.
As Hurricane Milton intensifies and expands in size, residents along the coastline are urged to take necessary precautions. The hurricane warnings cover a significant population, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety measures.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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