US: Deadly Hurricane Matthew set to make landfall

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) – Southern Florida largely escaped the worst of Hurricane Matthew on Friday morning as the storm winds northward, but authorities have urged residents in its path not to take the dangers lightly.

One death was reported overnight as President Barack Obama urged Americans to “pay attention to what your local officials are telling you” after meeting with top officials at the White House.

Obama warned that like Hurricane Sandy, most damage will likely occur from the ensuing storm surge, or rising ocean levels.

More than 2 million people have fled their homes as the storm advances on the southeastern U.S.

Matthew has been downgraded to a Category 3 storm, but is still considered a major hurricane. The eyewall of the storm is closely following the eastern Florida coast as it moves north-northwest with sustained winds hitting 120 mph (193 kph).

Landfall is expected in sometime Friday afternoon.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley warned residents who have yet to evacuate to quickly get to a shelter.

Meanwhile the death toll continues to rise in Haiti where hundreds have died in the ongoing catastrophe.

Thousands more have been displaced in a country that has yet to fully recover from a devastating 2010 earthquake.

Four other victims have been recovered in neighboring Dominican Republic.