11PM UPDATE: Matthew moves through central Bahamas

• EYE OF MATTHEW MOVING NEAR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS...
• EXPECTED TO INTENSIFY AS IT APPROACHES FLORIDA

At 1100 PM EDT (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew was
located near latitude 23.4 North, longitude 76.4 West. Matthew is
moving toward the northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h) and this general
motion is expected to continue tonight and Thursday.  A turn toward
the north-northwest is expected Thursday night.  On the forecast
track, the center of Matthew should pass near Andros Island and
Nassau overnight, then very near the east coast of the Florida
peninsula Thursday night through Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher
gusts.  Matthew is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Strengthening is expected during the next
24-36 hours, and Matthew is forecast to be a category 4 hurricane
as it approaches Florida.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles
(280 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 961 mb (28.38 inches).

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SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Southeastern Bahamas, including the Inaguas, Mayaguana, Acklins,
Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island
* Central Bahamas, including Long Island, Exuma, Rum Cay,
San Salvador, and Cat Island
* Northwestern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Andros Island,
Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and
New Providence
* North of Golden Beach to Fernandina Beach
* Lake Okeechobee

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* North of Fernandina Beach to Edisto Beach

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Chokoloskee to Golden Beach
* Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge eastward
* Florida Bay

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* North of Chokoloskee to Suwannee River

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area.  A warning is typically issued
36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of
tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside
preparations difficult or dangerous.  Preparations to protect life
and property should be rushed to completion.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible
within the watch area.  A watch is typically issued 48 hours
before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force
winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or
dangerous.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.