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Obama to Gulf Coast residents: Heed officials on Isaac
U.S. President Obama delivers a statement on storm Isaac, August 28, 2012. PHOTO/Mandel Ngan/AFP
President Barack Obama says residents of the Gulf Coast should listen to local authorities and follow their directions as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches.
“Now is not the time to tempt fate. Now is not the time to dismiss official warnings. You need to take this seriously,” Obama said.
The White House is aiming to balance leadership on the storm with the president’s campaign plans. Obama made brief remarks about the storm just before departing on a two-day campaign trip to Iowa, Colorado and Virginia.
Obama aides said that while there were no current plans to change the president’s travel itinerary, the White House was monitoring the storm and would adjust his schedule if necessary.
Republicans canceled the first day of their convention in Tampa when the storm appeared to be headed for landfall in Florida. But the party is resuming convention activities Tuesday.
The tropical storm is on the verge of becoming a hurricane as it veers toward New Orleans. Obama said the storm could cause significant flooding and other damage.
The president declared a state of emergency in Louisiana late Monday, more than 24 hours before the storm was expected to hit the Gulf Coast. The declaration makes federal support available to save lives, protect public health and safety and preserve property in coastal areas.
