WASHINGTON (October 30, 2012)--President Barack Obama will travel to storm-stricken New Jersey on Wednesday to view damage from the massive storm that struck the East Coast and to thank first responders.

The White House said Mr. Obama will join Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in viewing the damage.

Christie has an Obama critic, but Tuesday he praised Mr. Obama's leadership in dealing with the storm disaster.

Mr. Obama said Tuesday at Red Cross headquarters that the storm "is not yet over."

He said there are still risks from flooding and downed power lines, and called the storm "heartbreaking for the nation."

The president offered his thoughts and prayers to those affected and said "America is with you."

He said he told government officials coordinating the response that there was "no excuse for inaction."