Biden says Hurricane Ida shows climate crisis real

President Joe Biden is assuring residents in the Northeast that federal first responders are on the ground to help clean up after Ida's record rainfall and flooding.

Biden says he spoke Thursday to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and planned to also speak with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. He says he "made clear" to the governors that FEMA "is on the ground and ready to provide all the assistance that's needed."

Biden noted that Ida was the fifth-largest hurricane in history and had prompted the National Weather Service to issue a first-ever flood emergency for New York City and parts of Long Island.

The president says extreme storms like Ida are reminder that the climate crisis is real and the nation needs to be better prepared