Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton issued responses and warnings as Hurricane Matthew hammers Florida’s eastern coast.
In a statement, Trump called on people to evacuate because “nothing is more important than the safety of your family.” Clinton told her Twitter followers that they should “follow emergency instructions and evacuate if you’re told to.”
Trump, later, in a town hall meeting, added, “Our hearts are with all of the people and prayers to the millions in the path of what’s now known as Hurricane Matthew.”
Clinton, in a statement on Friday morning, said that “this is a serious storm, and it has already caused serious damage. If you get an evacuation order, please follow it immediately. Bring any important documents, medicines, and your pets with you.”
“These warnings are very, very serious—if your home is in the path of the hurricane and you are being advised to leave, you need to do so right now,” Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, stated Thursday, according to CBS. “Nothing is more important than the safety of your family.”
“Our hearts and our prayers tonight are with our neighbors in Florida,” Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence said at an event in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Clinton’s running mate, Tim Kaine, said, “I was a governor. We are thinking hard about the safety of our citizens.”
Clinton was off the campaign trail preparing for Sunday’s debate against Trump, according to CBS News.
But Trump, on Thursday in New Hampshire, said Clinton wasn’t taking part in debate preparations. “Do you really think Hillary Clinton is debate-prepping for three or four days?” Trump asked. “Hillary Clinton is resting, OK? She’s resting. She wants to build up her energy for Sunday night, and you know what—that’s fine.”
Clinton and Trump are set to meet at Washington University in St. Louis on Sunday. The debate will feature questions submitted by audience members. Other questions be submitted by CNN’s Anderson Cooper and ABC’s Martha Raddatz.
