MIAMI – Gov. Ron DeSantis said all Floridians need to be prepared for the threat of Hurricane Dorian.
DeSantis spoke to reporters Thursday morning at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The governor said he's spoken with President Donald Trump, who assured him that the "federal government would be with us every step of the way, supporting us in any way that they can."
Trump also took to Twitter Thursday to warn Floridians to be prepared for the storm and to follow state and federal instructions.
"It will be a very big hurricane. Perhaps one of the biggest!" Trump wrote.Â
DeSantis said he's also requesting a pre-landfall declaration from the federal government for protective measures and direct assistance for generators and pumps.
The governor said the challenge will be determining where to deploy those resources.
As of the latest advisory, all of Florida's peninsula remains in the forecast cone.
"The time to act is now," DeSantis said. "If you haven't acted, act to make preparations. Do not wait until it's too late."
The governor released a statement later in the day, saying he is expanding the state of emergency to include all 67 counties in Florida because of Dorian's uncertain projected path.
"All residents, especially those along the east coast, need to be prepared for possible impacts," the statement read. "As it increases strength, this storm has the potential to severely damage homes, businesses and buildings, which is why all Floridians should remain vigilant. Do not wait until it is too late to make a plan."
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