Hurricane Matthew: Evacuations begin as deadly storm nears

Hurricane Matthew likely won't strike the US for another day -- but after seeing its deadly, devastating impact on Haiti, authorities are urging residents to get ready.
"I cannot emphasize enough that everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday.
"That means people have less than 24 hours to prepare, evacuate and shelter. Having a plan in place could mean the difference between life and death."

The death toll from Hurricane Matthew has risen to 102 people after officials in Haiti

of 98 dead on the island. The storm is the most intense to hit the Caribbean in a decade, officials have said, and it barreled toward the United States at a Category 4 on Thursday. Matthew blew threw the Bahamas earlier in the day and is expected to hit Florida at least once, if not twice, in the coming days. Thousands have been displaced in Haiti due to smashed homes and flooded areas. More than 12 million residents in the U.S. are under a hurricane watch or warning.

President Obama declared a state of emergency for Florida Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for federal aid in addition to state and local emergency response teams. Forecasters said the hurricane could make landfall Thursday night.