Hurricane Matthew death toll hits 102 as storm is upgraded to Category 4 with winds of 140mph

Hurricane Matthew has claimed the lives of 102 people as officials upgrade the storm to Category 4 level.

A total of 98 people are now dead in Haiti with the storm now hitting 140mph as it approaches Florida.

Most of the victims were killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers.

Apocalyptic-like scenes are playing out in cities and towns in the path of Hurricane Matthew - which could affect more than 12 million Americans - as people who are staying put stock up on food and other supplies.

Supermarket shelves have been cleared of almost every item, meaning there could be dire consequences for those who haven't already purchased enough goods to get them through a potentially catastrophic storm and uncertain aftermath.

Those who have decided to flee to safer ground - or need fuel to run generators if and when the power goes out - are facing long queues at petrol stations as the state faces what could be its biggest evacuation ever.

Hurricane Matthew sparks apocalyptic scenes in supermarkets as panicked shoppers stock up food and water

There was also a rush to purchase planks of wood to cover windows and doors at homes and businesses as Florida - currently in a state of emergency - prepares for what may be the strongest hurricane in the past ten years.

The US National Hurricane Center said the storm's eye is expected to move very close to the east coast of the Florida peninsula Thursday night through Friday night, bringing 125mph winds with gusts that are even more powerful.

It could make direct landfall as it moves up the coastline.

In addition to winds, a dangerous storm surge, large and destructive waves and inland flooding are major concerns in Florida.

Parts of the eastern coast could see a storm surge of up to 9ft.

Surge-related flooding depends on the timings of the surge and tidal cycle, said forecasters

The NHC said: "There is a danger of life- threatening inundation during the next 36 hours along the Florida east coast and Georgia coast from Deerfield Beach to Altamaha Sound."

Local officials advised residents to store food and water for at least three days, and fill up their vehicles.

t said: "We're used to it. So you just do it in the time and manner, and then you'll be OK."

Another resident said this kind of hurricane is not common and Matthew is not so worrisome compared to Andrew, a deadly hurricane that hit Florida in 1992.

They said: "We haven't had one for years now. I've been through Andrew. That's worse."

President Barack Obama cancelled his visit to Florida which was scheduled for Wednesday.

He met with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to discuss preparations and a response to any disaster.