President Obama is advising Gulf Coast residents to heed warnings about Isaac, which was upgraded to hurricane status just after noon Tuesday.
“We are dealing with a big storm, and there could be significant flooding and other damage across a large area,” Obama said. “Now is not the time to tempt fate. Now is not the time to dismiss official warnings. You need to take this seriously."
In Tuesday's update, President Obama said he's working with Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center in preparation for the hurricane's passing and aftermath.
"This storm isn't scheduled until later today," he said. "But, at my direction, FEMA has been on the ground for over a week working with state and local officials in areas that could be affected."
Efforts have focused on Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Hurricane Isaac is moving northwestward and will likely hit the Louisiana coast later this evening, according to National Hurricane Center.
On Monday, the President issued an official disaster declaration for Louisiana to receive federal aid for equipment and resources.