Update:
In her Thursday morning press conference, Gov. Nikki Haley once again urged the importance of evacuating coastal areas.
Hurricane Matthew is currently a category 4 storm and is still expected to hit close to the South Carolina coast. Hotels throughout the state are mostly full, so those evacuating are now encouraged to make their way toward Charlotte, Haley said.
The governor also touched on the Gamecocks' football game that was originally scheduled for this weekend. She reiterated that the university will be making the decision on whether to change the game. This decision will be made Thursday afternoon.
Wednesday:
South Carolina residents are encouraged to seek safety away from the coast this week as Hurricane Matthew moves closer, said Gov. Nikki Haley at a press conference Wednesday morning.
Evacuations from Charleston and Beaufort counties will begin at 3 p.m. Wednesday; Horry and Georgetown counties will follow Thursday morning. Previous estimates had evacuations at about 1 million people, but Haley estimates that closer to 250,000 people will leave the Lowcountry today.
Weather reports predict the hurricane will have weakened to Category 2 by the time it reaches South Carolina, but Haley urged people to protect themselves, their families and their pets before the storm hits.
Haley declared a state of emergency earlier this week, allowing the South Carolina National Guard to help with evacuations and safety measures.
"Our goal is to make sure that no lives are lost," Haley said. She asked residents to evacuate sooner rather than later and thanked those who already have.
More Hurricane Matthew coverage:
USC classes canceled in preparation for Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Matthew set to test already-battered South Carolina