On Friday night, Matthew made its mark as the second major hurricane of this Atlantic season as a category 5. On Saturday morning, this powerful storm slightly downgraded to a category 4 in the Caribbean Sea, over 300 miles to the SE of Kingston, Jamaica.
The center of Matthew is expected to move across the central Caribbean Sea on Saturday and Sunday. Then, it will approach Jamaica and southwestern Haiti Sunday night and Monday.
This strong system has prompted watches and warnings. The government of Colombia has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for that country. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Jamaica and Haiti from the southern border with the Dominican Republic to Le Mole St. Nicholas. Interests elsewhere in Hispaniola and eastern Cuba should monitor the progress of Matthew. A Hurricane Watch could be needed for portions of eastern Cuba later today.
- *WINDS: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area in Jamaica and Haiti on Monday, with tropical storm conditions possible by late Sunday. Hurricane conditions are possible in eastern Cuba by Monday night, with tropical storm conditions possible by early Monday.
- RAIN: Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through Saturday. Rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches are expected across Jamaica and southern and southwestern Haiti. This rainfall could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.
- SWELLS: Life-threatening swells could generated by Matthew are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Venezuela, Colombia, eastern Cuba, and the Caribbean coastline of Central America during the next few days.
According to the National Hurricane Center, land interaction from high mountain terrains in Cuba should lead to additional weakening by Tuesday. But, Matthew is expected to remain a hurricane once it enters the Atlantic Ocean.
South Florida concern?
Here is South Florida, we need to remain vigilant for next week.
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