Hillary Clinton to those in Hurricane Matthew's path: "America is with you"

Hurricane Matthew continues to batter the eastern coast of the United States, and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has released a statement professing solidarity with those in its path and with those who have already lost their lives to the deadly storm.

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Matthew, and my heart is broken for the victims and their families in Haiti, Cuba, the Caribbean and Florida," Clinton wrote in a message posted to Twitter on Friday morning.

Clinton also followed in the footsteps of her friend and political ally, President Barack Obama, in urging those who live in evacuation zones to follow the instructions of local officials and leave their homes.

"This is a serious storm, and it has already caused serious damage. If you get an evacuation order, please follow it immediately," Clinton wrote.

The presidential candidate also expressed allegiance with those affected by the hurricane's destruction, vowing to support relief efforts alongside the rest of the country.

"And to the people of Florida and the Southeast, and everyone in the eye of the storm: Stay safe, and know that America is with you," Clinton wrote. "In times of disaster, we pull together. We'll have you back every step of the way — toady, and in the weeks and months to come."