Hurricane Matthew Update

Hurricane Matthew Update
Hurricane Matthew’s path has shifted closer to Florida’s east coast and officials say residents should start preparing.

The storm started picking up speed overnight ahead of making landfall about 7 a.m. in southwestern Haiti as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds – the first Category 4 storm to hit the impoverished country since 1964, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Hurricane warnings remain in effect for Haiti, parts of Cuba and the Bahamas. Forecasters say parts of Haiti could see up to 40 inches of rain by the time Matthew leaves the area. Southeastern Cuba could see up to 20 inches of rain, according to the Hurricane Center.

No watches or warnings have been issued for Florida, but forecasters say those could be issued as early as today.

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday declared a state of emergency warning residents there could be “massive destruction” if Matthew directly impacts Florida. He urged everyone to start preparing by stocking up on water and food, and by charging cell phones.