Virginia reps urge Trump to declare federal emergency ahead of Hurricane Florence

Virginia’s congressional delegation on Monday called on President Trump to declare a federal emergency in the commonwealth ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence, which is barreling toward the mid-Atlantic coast.

The lawmakers wrote to Trump after Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declared a state of emergency over the weekend and ordered those living along the state’s coast to evacuate the area on Monday.

“A federal emergency declaration would ensure the full availability of federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to guarantee public safety and rapid recovery from the direct and indirect effects of Hurricane Florence,” the congressional lawmakers wrote.

{mosads}Sens. Mark Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) signed the letter, along with Reps. Rob Wittman (R), Scott Taylor (R), Bobby Scott (D), A. Donald McEachin (D), Tom Garrett (R), Bob Goodlatte (R), Dave Brat (R), Don Beyer (D), Morgan Griffith (R), Barbara Comstock (R) and Gerry Connolly (D).

Trump issued a series of tweets about the impending storm on Monday, including one that specifically mentioned Virginia. He noted that he and other members of his Cabinet have been briefed by officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Was just briefed via phone by @DHSgov @SecNielsen and @FEMA @FEMA_Brock, along with @VP Mike Pence and Chief of Staff, John Kelly on incoming storm which is very dangerous. Heed the directions of your State and Local Officials – and know that WE are here for you. Be SAFE! pic.twitter.com/sN8D5NvrBa

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018

The Storms in the Atlantic are very dangerous. We encourage anyone in the path of these storms to prepare themselves and to heed the warnings of State and Local officials. The Federal Government is closely monitoring and ready to assist. We are with you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018

Hurricane Florence developed into a Category 4 storm on Monday, and has the potential to strengthen to a Category 5 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

The storm is expected to make landfall somewhere on South Carolina or North Carolina by Thursday.

— Updated at 7:27 p.m.