Hurricane Matthew Evacuations Begin On The East Coast

As Hurricane Matthew charged through the Bahamas and took aim at the United States, residents along America's east coast were forced into mandatory evacuations to avoid the full force the storm could wrought in coastal areas.

In Florida, evacuations in several counties on the state's East Coast were underway Wednesday morning. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for all of Florida.

"I cannot emphasize enough that everyone in our state must prepare now for a direct hit," Scott said. "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."

On Wednesday, Matthew was a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds around 120 miles per hour. The storm, which has killed 10 people in the Caribbean, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday evening into Friday morning.

"If you're able to go early, leave now," Scott said.

Some residents hunkered down to wait out the storms at home.

Matthew is expected to make its way up the Florida peninsula to Georgia, where Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in 13 coastal counties.

"We urge residents in these areas to remain calm but vigilant as they prepare for potential impact," Deal said.

Deal has not ordered any mandatory evacuations in his state, saying the storm was still too far out to make any definitive plans.

“We are prepared to order an evacuation. We are hopeful that’s not going to be necessary in that case,” Deal said. “We have been very lucky so far.”

The state's Emergency Management Agency is working with local governments to prepare for the storm. Deal said the state's coastal islands would be the first to evacuate.

“The safety of Georgians is our first priority, and we urge residents in these areas to remain calm but vigilant as they prepare for potential impact,” Deal said.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley ordered mandatory evacuations for Charleston and Beaufort counties beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Interstate 26 will reverse lanes that normally run Eastbound to get everyone out of danger as quickly as possible.

Buses from upstate will be available at the North Charleston Coliseum to take residents away from the danger. Georgetown and Horry counties will be evacuated Thursday morning, Haley said.

"Our goal is to save everybody that we can," she said. "What I will tell those people who are thinking about not leaving is if you think you can take care of yourself, then at least think about my law enforcement and my National Guardsmen because they are going to be the ones who have to go out and try and get you. And you are putting their lives at stake."

Image via NOAA