Donald Trump is expected to visit areas affected by
Hurricane Florence next week as North and
South Carolina continue to be ravaged by the
storm.
Aides say Trump has been monitoring the storm from the White House and has taken to Twitter to encourage people to listen to their local authorities for how to remain safe.
The President said: “Great job FEMA, First Responders and Law Enforcement - not easy, very dangerous, tremendous talent.
“America is proud of you.
“Keep it all going - finish strong!”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said: “The President is expected to travel to areas affected by the storm early to middle of next week, once it is determined his travel will not disrupt any rescue or recovery efforts.
“We will keep you posted when we have details.”
Hurricane Florence bombarded the US East Coast on Friday causing major flooding.
The storm has caused catastrophic damage and more than 723,000 homes and businesses to lose power.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster told residents Florence is a slow-moving storm and will be in the region for at least two days.
Mr McMaster said residents can expect infrastructure damage because of the high winds and flooding leading to closed roads, washed out bridges, and possible landslides.
He said: “The last thing we want to do is lose lives in South Carolina because of impatience.”
He also issued a stark warning to would-be looters, adding police would show "no mercy" to them.
The Mayor said: “This is gonna be a very trying period.”
Florence has already claimed five lives since the storm made landfall on Friday morning.
Local police announced Friday afternoon that two died in Wilmington after a tree was blown into a home.
They confirmed a woman and her child died at the scene and the father was transported to hospital with injuries.
A third death was confirmed in Pender County after a woman suffered a heart attack.
Another two deaths were confirmed in Kinston in Lenoir County according to the Kinston Free Press reported.
A 78-year-old-man was electrocuted when he tried to connect extension cords outside.
A 77-year-old man’s body was also found by his family.
Lenoir County Emergency Services Director Roger Dail said his family believed his death was caused when he was blown down by the wind.