Florida's governor has warned the state could be facing its 'biggest evacuation ever' as Hurricane Matthew heads towards the US.

Officials have already ordered people to flee their homes in states along the eastern coast of the US.

The storm hit parts of Cuba and is now passing over the southern Bahamas with winds of around 190km/h.

The storm left at least 11 people dead as it battered Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean.

It has also led to the postponement of a planned presidential election in Haiti.

Areas of Florida and South Carolina are already being evacuated ahead of the storm reaching the US coastline.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said: “I am directing all state offices in 26 counties to be closed so people who work there can stay home and prepare for this storm. 

"I encourage everyone to prepare their homes, check on family and friends and evacuate if in an evacuation zone. This storm is deadly and everyone has to take this seriously.”

President Obama has also warned that the storm is a serious threat.

"It is now moving through the Bahamas," he explained. "Because it is not going to be hitting enough land, it is going to be building strength on its way to Florida."