Hurricane Matthew's track shifts west: What you should know

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Hurricane Matthew has strengthened and its track shifted slightly west, bringing more of Florida into the cone of concern.

It is important to stay updated on Hurricane Matthew's conditions as it nears the United States.

Here are four things you should know about the storm:

Matthew is 12 miles per hour shy of a Category 5 storm over the Caribbean

The powerful and dangerous storm strengthened slightly on Monday. Sustained winds are at 145 miles per hour and it is expected to make landfall near Haiti overnight. Matthew will produce devastating impacts from storm surge, extreme winds, heavy rains, flash floods and/or mudslides in portions of Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas.

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Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for Florida

The executive order allocates money and resources for the state to respond to any damage that Hurricane Matthew may cause. Scott has been stressing for days that Floridians should be prepared and not underestimate Matthew's potential impact. He has referred to the storm as life-threatening, citing several people that have died in the Caribbean as a result of the storm.

Scott is expected to talk Tuesday about Hurricane Matthew and the storm's potential impact on Florida. Scott is scheduled to give updates throughout the day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. One of his stops include the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center in Yulee where he is expected to give an update around 3:15 p.m.

The closest approach to Jacksonville will be Friday afternoon and evening as a Category 3 storm

Matthew is expected to stay 100 to 150 miles off the coast of Northeast Florida. The coasts will be impacted the most with heavy rain and seas up to 20 feet high. Winds will begin to pick up at the beaches beginning on Tuesday and will peak on Thursday and Friday with gusts up to 50-60 miles per hour.

There have been no evacuations or school cancelations announced as of yet

Florida officials and local school districts are monitoring the storm but no plans to evacuate areas or cancel school have been announced. No watches or warnings are in effect as of Tuesday.

Talking the Tropics: Latest information about Hurricane Matthew

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Cox Media Group