"This storm is not yet over," Obama said during his trip to the headquarters of the American Red Cross in Washington.
Describing as "extraordinary" hardship seen over the last 24 hours in the regions following the storm, Obama said this is "something that is heartbreaking for the entire nation" and it's the time for speed up rescue and recovery operations.
Obama drove down to the Red Cross office headquarters to review rescue and recovery operation and said the federal government would push hard to provide resources to the States badly hit by Sandy.
According to a White House statement, Obama will travel to New Jersey to have a personal assessment of the devastation and take stock of the situation on the ground.
Obama has suspended his election campaign.
During his trip to the Red Cross headquarters, Obama praised the "spirit" and "resilience" of New York City folks, specifically citing those at New York Hospital "carrying fragile newborns to safety" and the firefighters bravely wading in water to save lives.