ABC News’ Mary Bruce ( @marykbruce) Reports: After spending the weekend bracing for Hurricane Irene, President Obama will return to a schedule of closed-door meetings at the White House today.

Obama spent the weekend meeting with his emergency response team and preparing for the storm, which was ultimately weaker-than-expected. Having learned from disasters of the past, the president made the case Sunday that his administration was well-prepared for Irene.

"This has been an exemplary effort of how good government, at every level, should be responsive to people’s needs, work to keep them safe, and protect and promote the nation’s prosperity,” Obama said in a Rose Garden statement.

The president also offered his condolences to the families of victims whose lives were claimed by the storm.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who’ve lost loved ones and those whose lives have been affected by the storm.  You need to know that American will be with you in your hour of need," he said.

Now that the storm has passed, today Obama will meet with his senior advisors in the morning and will have a private lunch with Vice President Joe Biden.