Obama Storm Warning: 'Don't Tempt Fate'

**bb1** Tue Aug 28, 2012 4:12 pm

http://news.sky.com/story/978038/obama-storm-warning-dont-tempt-fate

Obama Storm Warning: 'Don't Tempt Fate'
President Obama advises residents to listen to local authorities as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast.

President Obama has warned of serious flooding from Storm Isaac and people should leave their homes if they're asked to.

The president added that residents of the Gulf Coast should listen to local authorities and follow their directions as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches.

Speaking from the White House, Obama said, "We are dealing with a big storm that could cause significant flooding and other damage.

"Now is not the time to tempt fate. Now is not the time to dismiss official warnings. You need to take this seriously.

"Yesterday, I approved a disaster declaration for the state of Louisiana so they can get the help they need right away; particularly around some of the evacuations that are taking place.

"Right now we have response teams and supplies, ready to help communities in the expected path of the storm.

"As we prepare for Isaac to hit, I want to encourage all residents of the Gulf Coast to listen to your local officials and follow their directions, including if they tell you to evacuate."

Obama made his address to Gulf Coast residents just before departing on a three-state campaign trip where he is seeking to balance showing leadership on the storm with his campaign plans.

Isaac is on the verge of becoming a hurricane as it makes its way towards the area of New Orleans, where it is expected to make landfall - just a day ahead of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the area and killed 1,800 people.

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