Idalia updates: Damaging tornadoes, severe flooding from Florida to Carolinas

Idalia has weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it slams Georgia and the Carolinas with rain and wind.

President Joe Biden has spoken with the governors of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina as Hurricane Idalia slams the Southeast.

"I think they're reassured that we're going to be there for whatever they need," Biden said of the governors.

The president said he thinks Florida governor and GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis "trusts my judgment and my desire to help, and I trust him to be able to suggest that this is not about politics. It's about taking care of the people of the state."

Biden said he told the governor of each impacted state that "if there's anything, anything the states need right now, I'm ready to mobilize that support."

The president said he didn't yet know if he would adjust his upcoming travel to visit the Southeast.

DeSantis told reporters he agreed with Biden’s assessment that managing the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia is not about politics.

"We’re going to work together from local, state, federal, regardless of party, to be able to deliver results for the people in their time of need," he said.

-ABC News' Ben Gittleson

A tornado was confirmed near Charleston Wednesday afternoon.

Meteorologists are warning of flying debris and damage to roofs, windows and cars.

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. ET for parts of Georgia and the Carolinas, including Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. Hail and 70 mph wind gusts are also possible.

Over 75 people were rescued from flooding in St. Petersburg, Florida, near Tampa, according to city officials.