Hurricane Matthew pummels Haiti

Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti early this morning and is causing major damage as it slowly passes over the impoverished country. The Category 4 storm brings maximum winds of 145 mph and expected rainfall of 15-25 inches. Haitian authorities tried to evacuate people from rickety dwellings to more secure shelters, but many refused to leave their homes for fear of having their possessions stolen. “Many people are now asking for help, but it’s too late because there is no way to go evacuate them,” said Fonie Pierre, director of Catholic Relief Services for the Les Cayes area in southwestern Haiti. After passing over Haiti, Matthew is forecast to hit the eastern edge of Cuba and head north over the Bahamas, possibly touching eastern Florida next.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.