Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who will take over from government Andrew Cuomo early Tuesday, was working with Long Island officials Saturday as Hurricane Henri approached, her office said.
“He is on Long Island today, has toured areas and discussed storm preparedness plans with local Southampton officials,” spokeswoman Haley Viccaro said in an email. “The lieutenant governor is also actively involved in communications and response.”
Hochul he tweeted who also participated in a call with President Biden, Cuomo and northeastern governors on the preparation for federal storms. “The president highlighted the full cooperation and commitment of the federal government. @Red Cross & @fema they are offering their help, ”he said.
Viccaro said Hochul was coordinating with state and federal agencies to help and manage the storm response.
“He continues on the island and will participate in the recovery effort,” Viccaro said.
Three days before leaving amid a sexual abuse scandal, Cuomo defensively rejected a question about Hochul’s role in preparing for the first hurricane on Long Island since 1985 during an afternoon press conference on the storm. in which he announced a declaration of a state of emergency.
“I’m the governor today and I’m at the helm,” Cuomo said.