As Puerto Rico Braces for Dorian, 2 Jabs From Trump

Tropical storm expected to pass over or near the island
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 28, 2019 8:25 AM CDT
Updated Aug 28, 2019 12:08 PM CDT
Dorian Threatening Puerto Rico With a Direct Hit
People arrive to a private harbor to move boats away for protection ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Dorian in Boqueron, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.   (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Tropical Storm Dorian is threatening Puerto Rico with a direct hit at near-hurricane force on Wednesday and forecasters say it could strengthen further as it approaches the US mainland. The storm is expected to pass over or near Puerto Rico, with landslides, widespread flooding, and power outages possible in what is expected to be the first major test of emergency preparedness since Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, reports the AP. The National Hurricane Center's 11am ET public advisory stated that "maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. Dorian is forecast to become a hurricane later today and continue strengthening during the next few days"—possibly to a Category 3 hurricane as it approaches Florida, reports NBC News.

Trump posted a tweet Wednesday assuring that "We are tracking closely tropical storm Dorian as it heads, as usual, to Puerto Rico. FEMA and all others are ready, and will do a great job." He added a jab: "When they do, let them know it, and give them a big Thank You - Not like last time. That includes from the incompetent Mayor of San Juan!" A couple hours later came this followup: "Puerto Rico is one of the most corrupt places on earth. Their political system is broken and their politicians are either Incompetent or Corrupt. Congress approved Billions of Dollars last time, more than anyplace else has ever gotten, and it is sent to Crooked Pols. No good!.... ...And by the way, I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to Puerto Rico!"

(More Puerto Rico stories.)

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