Hurricane Matthew gains strength toward U.S. south-east coast
NAN-F-22
Hurricane
Washington, Oct. 6, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Hurricane Matthew is growing in strength and is expected to move very close to the South-Eastern coast of the U.S. later in the day, according to the National Hurricane Centre.
The Category three hurricanes, which currently have maximum sustained winds of 205 km per hour, will continue to move through the northwestern Bahamas on Thursday.
Matthew will likely reach Category 4 status as it approaches the East coast of Florida, before turning to the North-Northwest.
The center has extended its hurricane watch to as far north as the Santee River in South Carolina, two states north of Florida.
“This hurricane is life-threatening.
“Listen to your local officials and follow evacuation notices.
“More than 1.5 million residents of Florida were in evacuation zones on Wednesday,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said.
The National Hurricane Centre said that preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
“Hurricane conditions could occur in north-east Georgia and South Carolina by early Saturday,’’ the centre said. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AMY
Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf