Home and business owners who live in Stuart along Florida's Treasure Coast were bracing for impact Wednesday. Hurricane Matthew is expected travel less than 50 miles from the coast late Thursday night or Friday morning.
Many business owners were spending the day preparing. They're boarding up their windows or installing hurricane shutters.
"I'm hoping to protect my building here because it's got a lot of windows and the forecast looks like the wind could be very high and it's really unpredictable, you have to be safe," said Sue Demeo, who owns a business near downtown Stuart.
People who live on Martin County's Hutchinson Island along the ocean are putting out sand bags to protect their homes before leaving the island.
"We are also taking screens down, you know everyone has a plan," said Mike Mizenko. "I don't think anyone is going to stay here, doesn't seem like it, it's better to be safe than sorry," he said.
Schools along the Treasure Coast will be closed Thursday and Friday. Emergency shelters are scheduled to open Wednesday evening.
