Trump gets "comprehensive update" on Hurricane Irma
The White House says President Donald Trump has received a "comprehensive update" on Hurricane Irma.
Irma has plowed into the Florida Keys as the storm begins its march up the state's west coast.
Mr. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and several Cabinet members have participated in the briefing from Camp David — the presidential retreat where Mr. Trump has spent the weekend monitoring the storm.
White House Director of Social Media Dan Scavino tweeted photos from the Sunday morning briefing, where Mr. Trump was also joined by First Lady Melania Trump and Karen Pence.
The White House says Mr. Trump had spoken with the governors of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Irma could affect all four states.
Following the meeting at Camp David, Pence joined cabinet secretaries Rick Perry, Tom Price, Steve Mnuchin, Wilbur Ross, David Shulkin and Alexander Acosta at Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) headquarters in D.C..
At a briefing with FEMA administrator Brock Lock and Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, Energy Secretary Perry said the Trump administration "tipped their hat" to FEMA for what he called an "extraordinary" storm.
"To be faced with what you've faced here, you all look amazingly perky for the lack of sleep you've had," commented Perry on the long hours FEMA workers have put in over the past few days of Irma preparations.
After meeting with FEMA employees and thanking them for their help in the storm's efforts, Pence said the the administraiton continues to provide the "full weight of the government" to support the state of Florida and Governor Rick Scott.
"Every resource of the federal government is being brought to bear to support state and local efforts," said Pence on Sunday. He added, "The American people can be proud of efforts underway."
Pence went on to warn of the seriousness of the storm's impact, urging residents to heed the warnings of state and local officials.
"We need to remain vigilant, people need to take warnings seriously, and people of Florida need to know that our hearts and prayers, and all efforts, are with them," added Pence.
Asked what aspects of the storm concerned the administration the most, Pence said "the briefing at Camp David this morning caused the president to have great concern" as experts have warned of dangerous and heavy winds pushing a crippling storm surge in its path.
Pence also relayed a message from Mr. Trump himself: "Our mission here is, "Where ever Irma goes, we'll be there first. We'll be there with resources and support to save lives and help build lives."
As Mr. Trump returned home to the White House late Sunday, he called Irma a "rough hurricane" and a "big monster."
"It's just about the biggest ever recorded that hit land and unfortunately we got it," the president told reporters. He added, "we may have been a little bit lucky that it went to the west and it may not have been quite as destructive but we're going to see."
Mr. Trump hailed the work of FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard for helping the federal government be as well coordinated "as you could possibly be" in its efforts to prepare for Irma's path.
Asked when he would be making a trip down to Florida to assess the storm's damage, Mr. Trump told reporters, "very soon."
CBS News' Bo Erickson contributed to this report.
