Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington DC on Tuesday declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Florence prepares to make landfall in the southeastern coast of the United States.
"I encourage all district residents and visitors to take this storm seriously and stay up to date on the latest emergency information, including signing up for our AlertDC messaging service," Bowser was quoted by The Hill, as saying.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall in the two Carolina states at about 2 am (local time) on Friday. Although the trajectory of the storm is uncertain, some experts have hinted that Washington DC might see heavy flooding and gusty winds.
Earlier, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam had ordered authorities to evacuate the residents residing in low-lying coastal areas. Around one million people are expected to vacate the coasts.
Florence is expected to turn into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, with winds approaching at 85 miles per hour. The coastal areas could also face storm surges and flooding owing to torrential rainfall.
Expressing concern, US president Donald Trump took to Twitter and wrote, "My people just informed me that this is one of the worst storms to hit the East Coast in many years. Also, looking like a direct hit on North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Please be prepared, be careful and be SAFE!"
He further asserted that the Federal government will support the state in the hour of need. "Just had calls with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam regarding the incoming storm. Federal Government stands by, ready to assist 24/7."
The US President later tweeted with a satellite image of the storm, saying "it looks very bad."
"To the incredible citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina and the entire East Coast - the storm looks very bad! Please take all necessary precautions. We have already begun mobilising our assets to respond accordingly, and we are here for you!" Trump wrote on the micro-blogging site.
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