President Obama declares state of emergency over Hurricane Matthew

The U.S. is bracing for Hurricane Matthew as the tropical storm nears Florida.

President Barack Obama said in a press conference on Friday that Matthew is currently moving through the Bahamas and will be building strength as it gets ready to hit Florida. Tomorrow, it is expected to strengthen even more to move further up the coast.

Obama said he will provide the necessary federal resources to help the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida respond.

The President has declared a state of emergency in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The hurricane is a category 3, but he said the damage could be substantial.

“Not only is their still a chance that the core of the storm hits Florida and some of the states further north, but even if you don't get the full force of the hurricane, you’re going to see tropical force winds and the potential for storm surge, and all of that could have a devastating effect,” Obama said.

He is urging residents of the impacted areas to follow emergency response officials and to take the storm seriously. Everyone in the potential path of the storm should monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information, he said, reminding people to evacuate if ordered to.

“You can always rebuild, you can always repair property, you cannot restore a life if it is lost,” Obama continued. “Now is the time for you to prepare in the event that you have to evacuate.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Hurricane Matthew is likely to produce extreme winds and heavy rains along extensive portions of Florida tonight.

Evacuations for coastal counties in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are in effect.

Asked for donations to Haiti and the Bahamas.