Tropical Storm Isaac to Become Hurricane, President Obama Advises Evacuation
Don't 'Dismiss Official Warnings' to Evacuate, Says President
President Obama has released a statement regarding Tropical Storm Isaac as fears rise over the growing storm, which is expected to turn into a hurricane by Tuesday night.
Tropical Storm Isaac slowed to a pace of 7 miles per hour on Tuesday causing alarm for many, who fear that a slow moving storm could wreak even more havoc. Forecasters have predicted 7 to 14 inches of rain, although total rainfall in some areas could reach up to 20 inches.
"This storm isn't scheduled to hit the ground until later today. But under my direction FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has been on the ground for over a week," the President said in an official statement at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
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There has been some concern that local residents in New Orleans and other areas that stand to be impacted by the storm have not taken warnings seriously.
"These water hazards- the storm surge and the inland flooding- are things that sometimes people forget," National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb told reporters Monday. "They consider tropical storms and hurricanes as just windstorms, and they are far more than that."
V.J. St. Pierre, the president of St. Charles Parish, to the west of New Orleans, reported to The Washington Post that only a few dozen people have evacuated at the moment, despite thousands having evacuated in the advance of storms in the past. Obama has cautioned against ignoring their local officials, though.
A mandatory evacuation has yet to be announced, although the President has declared a state of emergency.
"As we prepare I want to encourage all residents to listen to local officials and follow directions including orders of evacuation," Obama stated. "We are dealing with a big storm. Now is not the time to chance fate or dismiss official warnings."
Obama also informed people that response teams would be on hand in the areas likely to be most affected.
The worst is yet to come, however, and the President expressed that he had plans to see Americans through the damage caused by the storm.
"The hardest work is still ahead," the President affirmed. "I will do everything possible to help the American people to help prepare for and recover from the storm."
