Obama declares state of emergency in South Carolina

President Barack Obama has reportedly declared a state of emergency in South Carolina.

According to reports, news emerging from the White House indicates that President Obama declared the state of emergency as a result of the Hurricane Matthew.

This move is coming shortly after he declared a state of emergency in Floridaafter Hurricane Matthew strengthened and headed for the U.S. South East.

The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts necessitated by the storm, a Category 4 hurricane packing winds of 140 mph (220 kph).

ALSO READ: Fiery storm pounds Cuba, Haiti, on path toward U.S.

In Florida, fuel stations posted "out of gas" signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the gas pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon.

The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. "We're just trying to get away from the coast," he said. "It's safer here."