ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 5, 2016 — National Guard members in four southeastern states were at the ready today as Hurricane Matthew approached the United States.

South Carolina had at least 1,100 Army National Guard troops on duty, and evacuations were underway.

"Our goal is to make sure you get at least 100 miles away from the coast," South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley told residents.

In Florida, about 200 Guard members are helping with preparation, and more may be called up, as needed, officials said.

‘We Are Preparing for the Worst’

As reported in news media, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said, "We are preparing for the worst, hoping for the best, and not taking any chances."

Neither Georgia nor North Carolina had any Guard troops on duty, but 300 personnel in North Carolina were on standby, National Guard Bureau officials said. Georgia personnel were conducting pre-operations checks, they reported.

The powerful storm was 35 miles north-northwest of Cuba's eastern tip.  By tomorrow, officials expect it to move very close to Florida. By Oct. 9, the storm may progress as far north as Massachusetts, forecasters said.