TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Rick Scott is saying Floridians must remain vigilant and prepare for the impact of Hurricane Matthew as it makes its trek through the Caribbean.
Scott was briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the storm, which was a major Category 4 hurricane Saturday with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
[RELATED: Hurricane Matthew forecast to track near Florida]
"As Hurricane Matthew moves through the Caribbean this weekend, it's a very dangerous storm and life-threatening. We haven't seen a storm of this magnitude approach our state in a very long time," Scott said.
Scott said although the National Hurricane Center's forecast continues to show the track of the storm east of Florida, it's too soon to rule out impacts to the state.
"We know how fast the track of a storm can change and I urge everyone in Florida to prepare this weekend for any impacts this storm may bring," Scott said. "Even if it does not directly hit our state, we will likely see strong winds, rip currents and beach erosion all along the east coast of our state.
Scott said he would continue to monitor the storm throughout the weekend to ensure the state is prepared and ready to respond.
"If you don't have a plan, please visit FLGetAPlan.com so that you and your family can get prepared," Scott said.
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"Hurricane Matthew's exact pathway is continuing to develop, but we know this is a large and especially powerful storm which is expected to remain a major hurricane as it nears Florida," Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon said. "Do not get complacent. Understand that this storm is large enough and powerful enough for it produce strong rip currents and severe weather, even without making direct landfall in Florida. Visit FLGetAPlan.com to ensure you and your family are prepared."