Watching Matthew

As of 8 am, Tropical Storm Matthew is a little stronger with winds up to 70 mph. It is expected to continue moving westward during the next couple of days gradually strengthening. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew is forecast to pass to the north of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao through Friday. Matthew is forecast to become a hurricane later today or tonight.

Total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches across the Windward Islands and southern portions of the Leeward Islands through tonight. These rains may produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected farther north into the northern Leeward Islands, including the United States and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. About 1 to 3 inches possible over Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao through Friday.

There is a high degree of uncertainty on where the turn to the north will occur.

Scenario 1: Matthew takes an early turn, a front quickly arrives and stalls over Florida protecting us from it.

Scenario 2: Matthew takes a late turn, a front doesn’t arrive on time and then it could become a potential worry for us.

Right now, it is too early to tell if this system will have any impact on South Florida, but it is important to remain informed of its progress with the latest. This means the forecast for South Florida mid-next week will be highly uncertain and likely to change.

Have a wonderful day South Florida and make it a safe one!

Vivian Gonzalez

Meteorologist, AMS Certified

WSVN Channel 7