FEMA chief: Harvey will be ‘a very significant disaster’

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long on Friday issued a serious warning for those in the path Hurricane Harvey, predicting the storm would be “significant disaster” for Texas. 

“The elements of the system are already beginning to impact the Texas coast, and inland we’re seeing rain bands. We’re seeing the ocean level rise in many cases. It’s going to be a very dangerous situation,” Long said in an interview with NBC News. 

“Let’s set the expectations. Texas is about to have a very significant disaster, and we have to let people know that,” he continued. 

{mosads}

Hurricane Harvey marks the first major natural disaster for Long as FEMA administrator after he was confirmed by the Senate in June. 

The storm, which is expected to be the first category 3 hurricane to make landfall in the United States since 2005, is set to hit the coasts of Texas and Louisiana later Friday. 

Both states have declared states of emergency. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) have spoken with President Trump, who said he is ready to provide federal assistance “as needed.”  

I have spoken w/ @GovAbbott of Texas and @LouisianaGov Edwards. Closely monitoring #HurricaneHarvey developments & here to assist as needed.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

Harvey will present a key test to Trump as his first natural disaster as president. 

Trump said in a tweet on Friday he was staying informed about the storm.  

Received a #HurricaneHarvey briefing this morning from Acting @DHSgov Secretary Elaine Duke, @FEMA_Brock, @TomBossert45 and COS John Kelly. pic.twitter.com/cnkRZd6D6Z

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017