HAVELOCK, N.C. - President Donald Trump on Wednesday pledged the full support and finances of the federal government to support states struck by Tropical Storm Florence while insisting that at least some of the storm’s danger lingered.

Minutes after arriving in North Carolina to survey storm damage, Trump vowed “100 percent” backing to Gov. Roy Cooper. Trump twice stressed that, even though the skies above were clear and “beautiful,” the surrounding state was still at risk for flood.

The president said the region was in for a “rough two weeks,” but promised to send “a lot of money to the area.”

“We need it, and we have it, and we will be applying it, and there will be nothing left undone,” Trump said.

More: What North Carolinians are saying about Trump's visit to view Florence devastation

Cooper: 'Our state took a gut punch'

Trump made these statements at a carefully orchestrated storm briefing at Cherry Point Marine Air Station in Havelock, a city of about 20,000 deep within the storm zone.

Dressed in a windbreaker and khakis, the president sat in front of a fighter jet flanked by two dozen politicians, military officials and other leaders. Trump sometimes read from prepared remarks on a piece of paper in front of him, but repeatedly ad libbed to praise first responders and local officials.

“There has been a lot of talent. A lot of work and a lot of talent. And without the talent it doesn’t work either,” Trump said.

Work crews, he said, have restored power to more than 1.2 million customers in North and South Carolina, adding that “power is starting to go on as soon as the water goes down.”

Cooper, a Democrat, asked Trump for continued support, saying some rivers are “still cresting,” some North Carolina residents are “still in danger,” and it would take weeks, months or even years to recover from Florence.

“Our state took a gut punch,” the governor said. “And our people are still reeling.”

“I know the resiliency of North Carolinians,” Cooper added. “We have an amazing state. And I know we can come back stronger than ever. But we need your help …”

“We will be there 100 percent,” Trump responded.

Congressmen and local politicians then took turns praising Trump for the government’s storm response and the presidential visit. At one point, Woody White, a commissioner from nearby New Hanover County, said he believed the impact of the storm was softened by the fact that a strong economy had put many North Carolina residents back to work.

Trump took the opportunity to praise his own work.

“I would say maybe the best economy the country has ever had,” he said.

An area hit hard by Florence

The area where Trump landed was been hit incredibly hard by Florence last week. Stores are destroyed, and homes remain under feet of water.

Havelock was smashed by strong winds, which downed trees and knocked out power for the entire town. The Marine Corps base saw damage, too: As Trump spoke, several temporary aircraft hangers, now piles of twisted metal, lay on the tarmac.

During the briefing, Trump asked a state official, “How is Lake Norman doing?” Assured that it was doing fine, he replied, “I love that area. I can’t tell you why, but I love that area.”

More coverage of Florence:

• North Carolina hog farm lagoons breached after historic flooding

• Flooded roads hinder Florence relief efforts; Cooper asks evacuees to stay put

• Fayetteville flooding worse than Hurricane Matthew as Florence causes Cape Fear to surge

• Cape Fear River hits major flood stage near Fayetteville as Florence's impact lingers

There is a Trump National Golf Club on the shores of Lake Norman, which is near Charlotte.

Four senators from the Carolinas came with Trump from D.C.: Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr from North Carolina and Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott from South Carolina.

After his briefing, Trump was expected to tour the area and later in the afternoon, Trump said he would tour portions of South Carolina alongside Graham.

“Some of the hardest work is taking place right now, even though it’s nice and beautiful and sunny,” Trump said. “The money will come as fast as you need it.”

“In moments of despair we’ve witnessed the true character of the American people," he added. "Citizens all across our country rallied to rescue the stranded, to protect the innocent and to restore hope to families who’ve experienced tremendous and unbearable loss ... Our hearts break for you; God bless you.”

On to New Bern

Trump and Cooper traveled from Havelock to New Bern, where they helped distribute meals at Temple Baptist Church.

Standing outside the church, Trump greeted people as they drove up to the distribution site. As people lowered their car windows, Trump handed them Styrofoam packages containing hot dogs, peas and apple sauce.

“Hi everybody, how’s your house?” he asked people in one car.

He chatted briefly with two women in another car as he handed them meals. “Thank you, darling,” Trump said.

Standing behind him were scores of volunteers in yellow shirts who’ve been passing out meals. One volunteer said they distributed about 1,200 meals on Tuesday alone.

'Is this your boat?'

Trump toured homes along River Drive in New Bern, a low-lying neighborhood of brick and clapboard houses that was swamped by the Neuse River.

“We’re giving you a lot of help,” Trump said to one resident.

“Do you want to see my house? It’s over there,” another resident said, pointing to a badly damaged yellow house across the street.

Trump crossed the street to a small brick house, where he stopped to greet an older man in the T-shirt. Behind the house, a large yacht had washed ashore and was shipwrecked against the wooden deck.

He gazed at the yacht, saying, “Is this your boat?” The owner said no. Trump turned and replied with smile, “At least you got a nice boat out of the deal.”

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the owner told him his insurance company didn't want to pay for the damage to his home.

“We’re going to find out,” he said. “We’re going to find out the name of the insurance company.”

“I think it’s incredible what we’re seeing,” the president added. “This boat just came here.”

In three states, 37 people have died from the storm, 27 of those in North Carolina. The storm has left catastrophic flooding it its wake. The Cape Fear River in Fayetteville is expected to crest Wednesday morning, almost 30 feet above flood stage.

Hundreds of roads remain closed in eastern North Carolina, and drivers have been warned to not try to get to Wilmington.

He will return to the White House by 6:15 p.m.