Obama: Take This Storm Seriously

CHILMARK, Mass. (AP) - Emphasizing vigilance, President Barack
Obama urged the millions of Americans in the path of Hurricane
Irene to heed instructions from state and local officials,
especially if directed to evacuate. "Don't wait, don't delay," he
said.

Speaking from his vacation rental on Martha's Vineyard, Mass.,
also in Irene's path, the president said the federal government is
"bringing all federal resources to bear" in response to the
threat.

"I cannot stress this highly enough, if you are in the
projected path of this hurricane you have to take precautions
now," the president said.

He said all indications point to Irene being a historic
hurricane.

Obama said he had been briefed on Irene's status Friday morning
by top federal officials. He said he also called governors of
states and mayors of communities in the expected hurricane path.

As he spoke, rains from Irene's outer bands began hitting the
Carolinas, along with 6- to 9-foot waves. On Martha's Vineyard,
though, Obama spoke in the shade of a poplar tree outside a
gray-shingled cottage on the complex grounds. Otherwise it was
bright sunshine, not a cloud in the sky.

Obama isn't expected to change his schedule as a result of the
storm. He was already scheduled to leave the island retreat to
return to the White House on Saturday, the day the storm is
expected to pass through the Washington area.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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