‘That’s just what we want’: Trump reacts to news that up to six hurricanes could lash US this season

Americans should expect an 'above average' 2020 hurricane season, said FEMA officials

Donald Trump has said that an “enhanced” hurricane season was “just what we want”, as officials announced up to six hurricanes could soon hit the US.

Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) arrived at the White House on Thursday to update the US president on 2020 hurricane season preparedness.

“So you think we can have a slightly enhanced hurricane season? That’s just what we want, that’s just what we want,” said Mr Trump on Thursday.

He then added: “Let’s see, hopefully that won’t be the case”.

The US president, who was receiving an update on hurricane preparedness from FEMA and Homeland Security officials, was told up to six hurricanes could come ashore this season, which officially starts on Monday although there have already been two named storms – Arthur and Bertha – this spring. Neither developed beyond tropical storm status.

The Homeland Security agency, which is dedicated to emergency management planning, announced that three to six major hurricanes could hit the US in the coming months.

“The big concern this year is the Atlantic Ocean. We’re expecting an above average year,” said a FEMA official.

“Like I said, this is above average, this does not necessarily mean they’ll make landfall.”

FEMA and Homeland Security officials then assured the president that federal agencies were prepared to manage the potential crisis. "FEMA is always ready, sir,” said the agency’s administrator, Pete Gaynor.

“We’re in a really great place when it comes to funding, personnel and supplies,” added Mr Gaynor, after FEMA was allocated $40bn (£32bn) in recent Covid-19 emergency legislation.

Vice President Mike Pence added on Thursday that “there will be different challenges now,” because existing hurricane evacuation procedures appeared to contradict social distancing and stay-at-home advice.

Homeland Security acting secretary Chad Wolf then compared FEMA’s preparedness to the baseball season, and said: “It’s almost like opening day for baseball, right?”

“You are much more crisp and sharp halfway through the season than you are on opening day. So that’s where FEMA’s at now, they are in the middle of their season,” Mr Wolf said.