Matt Drudge: Is government ‘lying’ about Hurricane Matthew?

Drudge Report founder Matt Drudge on Thursday floated a theory that the government is exaggerating the threat from Hurricane Matthew.

In a string of tweets, Drudge raised the idea that the government is exaggerating the force of the storm to make a point on climate change.

The deplorables are starting to wonder if govt has been lying to them about Hurricane Matthew intensity to make exaggerated point on climate

— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) October 6, 2016

Hurricane Center has monopoly on data. No way of verifying claims. Nassau ground observations DID NOT match statements! 165mph gusts? WHERE?

— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) October 6, 2016

Drudge then urged Twitter users to help monitor the storm’s progress and authenticate what level of danger it truly presents.

Direct eyewall hit for Freeport in next hour. Will ground observations match the Hurricane Center’s claimed 140 mph sustained winds?

— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) October 6, 2016

https://t.co/IzDcgMQXqz Buoy off Freeport, in direct line of eyewall. Let’s watch the data come in…

— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) October 6, 2016

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) lashed out at Drudge, warning Twitter users to ignore his remarks before Matthew’s landfall.

So irresponsible. If you are in the path of Hurricane Matthew, do not listen to this man! Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/aNS4RG459Z

— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) October 6, 2016

{mosads}President Obama earlier Thursday declared a state of emergency in Florida as Matthew bears down on the southeastern U.S.

The disaster declaration allows state and local officials to obtain federal aid to help the recovery from the storm, which is expected to cause widespread damage in the Sunshine State.

“This is likely the largest and most powerful hurricane to hit the United States in a decade or so,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said earlier Thursday.

Obama’s order also allows the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster-relief efforts in the state.

Matthew is a Category 4 storm gaining in strength ahead of its expected collision with the East Coast late Thursday.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) earlier Thursday pleaded with residents to flee from areas in the hurricane’s path.

“Evacuate, evacuate, evacuate,” he said during a news conference. “This is going to kill people.”

Matthew’s ultimate arrival has additionally entered the White House race between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

“Hurricane #Matthew is a major storm,” tweeted Clinton. “I urge everyone to follow emergency instructions and evacuate if you’re told to. Stay safe Florida.”

“Praying for everyone in Florida,” tweeted Trump. “Hoping the hurricane dissipates, but in any event, please be careful.”