8PM UPDATE: Matthew still a strong storm, aiming for The Bahamas

• AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND MATTHEW IS STILL A POWERFUL CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE
• UNDER HURRICANE WATCH: Southeastern Bahamas, including the Inaguas, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island

FIVE DAY CONE. (WeatherUnderground)
At 800 PM EDT, the center of the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located 
by an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft near
latitude 14.5 North, longitude 75.0 West.  Matthew is moving toward
the northwest near 5 mph (7 km/h). A turn toward the north-northwest
is expected tonight, followed by a turn toward the north on Monday.
On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will approach Jamaica
and southwestern Haiti on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher
gusts.  Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible
during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a
powerful hurricane into Tuesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205
miles (335 km).  NOAA data buoy 42058, in the central Caribbean Sea,
recently reported a wind gust to 62 mph (100 km/h).

The estimated minimum central pressure recently measured by the
reconnaissance aircraft was 945 mb (27.91 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND:  Hurricane conditions are expected to reach Jamaica and Haiti
on Monday, and eastern Cuba Monday night.  Tropical storm conditions
are expected to first reach Jamaica and Haiti tonight, and eastern
Cuba early Monday, making outside preparations difficult or
dangerous.  Preparations to protect life and property should be
rushed to completion.  Tropical storm conditions are expected along
the southern coast of the Dominican Republic within the warning area
by tonight.

Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch areas by
late Tuesday with tropical storm conditions possible by early
Tuesday.  Tropical storm conditions are also possible in the
tropical storm watch area in the Dominican Republic by late
Monday.

RAINFALL: Matthew is expected to produce total rain accumulations
of 15 to 25 inches in southern Haiti and the southwestern portion of
the Dominican Republic, with possible isolated amounts of 40 inches.
Across eastern Cuba and western Haiti, total rain accumulations of 8
to 12 inches are expected, with possible isolated maximum amounts of
20 inches.  Across eastern Jamaica, total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches
is expected, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches possible.
This rainfall will likely produce life-threatening flash floods and
mudslides.

Matthew is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 8 to 12
inches over the southeastern Bahamas, with isolated maximum amounts
of 15 inches.  Matthew is expected to produce total rain
accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of
8 inches over the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Lower amounts are expected across the northeastern section of Haiti
and the Dominican Republic, with amounts ranging from 1 to 3 inches
with isolated amounts around 5 inches.  Rain amounts of 1 to 2
inches are expected over western Jamaica.  Additional rainfall of
1 to 2 inches is expected over northern Colombia through tonight.

STORM SURGE:  The combination of a dangerous storm surge and large
and destructive waves could raise water levels by as much as the
following amounts above normal tide levels...

Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge
and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
Large waves generated by Matthew will cause water rises to occur
well in advance of and well away from the track of the center.

SURF:  Swells generated by Matthew will continue 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.  These swells
are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current
conditions.  Please consult products from your local weather office.


================================


A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Jamaica
* Haiti
* Cuban provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma,
and Las Tunas

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Cuban province of Camaguey
* Southeastern Bahamas, including the Inaguas, Mayaguana, Acklins,
Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island
* Turks and Caicos Islands

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Dominican Republic from Barahona westward to the border with Haiti

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Dominican Republic from Puerto Plata westward to the border with
Haiti

Interests elsewhere in Hispaniola and in the Bahamas should monitor
the progress of Matthew.

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 Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

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

11AM UPDATE: Hurricane Matthew meanders, about to take aim for Bahamas

• POWERFUL HURRICANE MATTHEW MEANDERING BUT EXPECTED TO MOVE NORTHWESTWARD TO NORTHWARD
• HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS AND TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

FIVE DAY CONE. (WeatherUnderground)

A HURRICANE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS 
AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. 




THIS INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF MAYAGUANA, INAGUA, 
CROOKED ISLAND, ACKLINS, RAGGED ISLAND, LONG CAY, 
SAMANA CAY AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

At 1100 AM, the center of Hurricane Matthew was

located near latitude 14.0 North, longitude 74.6 West.  Matthew is
drifting toward the west near 3 mph (6 km/h).  A turn toward the
northwest is expected later today, followed by a turn toward
the north tonight.  On the forecast track, the center of Matthew
will approach southwestern Haiti and Jamaica on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 140 mph with higher
gusts.  Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible
during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a
powerful hurricane through Monday night.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles .

The minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Reserve
Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 947 mb (27.96 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND:  Hurricane conditions are expected to reach Jamaica and Haiti
on Monday, and eastern Cuba Monday night.  Tropical storm conditions
are expected to first reach Jamaica and Haiti this evening, and
eastern Cuba early Monday, making outside preparations difficult or
dangerous.  Preparations to protect life and property should be
rushed to completion.  Tropical storm conditions are expected along
the southern coast of the Dominican Republic within the warning area
by tonight.

Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch areas by
late Tuesday with tropical storm conditions possible by early
Tuesday.  Tropical storm conditions are also possible in the
tropical storm watch area in the Dominican Republic by late
Monday.

RAINFALL: Matthew is expected to produce total rain accumulations of
15 to 25 inches over southern Haiti, with possible isolated maximum
amounts of 40 inches.  Across western Haiti, expect total rain
accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 16
inches, while northern sections of Haiti can expect lower amounts
in the 1 to 3 inch range with localized maxima near 5 inches.
Matthew is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20
inches over eastern Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and eastern
Cuba, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches.  This
rainfall will likely produce life-threatening flash floods and mud
slides.

Matthew is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 8 to 10
inches over the southeastern Bahamas, with possible isolated maximum
amounts of 15 inches.  Matthew is expected to produce total rain
accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with possible isolated maximum
amounts of 6 inches over the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Matthew is expected to produce additional rain accumulations of 1 to
2 inches over Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire through Sunday.  Matthew
is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches
over northern Colombia, northwest Venezuela, and western Jamaica,
with possible isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches.

STORM SURGE:  The combination of a dangerous storm surge and large
and destructive waves could raise water levels by as much as the
following amounts above normal tide levels...

Southern Coast of Cuba east of Cabo Cruz...7 to 11 feet
South Coast of Haiti...7 to 10 feet
Northern Coast of Cuba east of Camaguey...4 to 6 feet
Jamaica...3 to 5 feet
Gulf of Gonave in Haiti...3 to 5 feet
Southern coast of the Dominican Republic...1 to 3 feet

Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge
and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.
Large waves generated by Matthew will cause water rises to occur
well in advance of and well away from the track of the center.

SURF:  Swells generated by Matthew will continue 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.  These swells
are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current
conditions.  

BAHAMAS ON HIGH ALERT AS HURRICANE MATTHEW TURNS, TAKES AIM AT COUNTRY

• MATTHEW CONTINUES MOVING NORTH-NORTHWESTWARD.

A HURRICANE WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.  THIS INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF MAYAGUANA, INAGUA, CROOKED ISLAND, ACKLINS, RAGGED ISLAND, LONG CAY, SAMANA CAY AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 48 HOURS.

A HURRICANE ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS.  THIS INCLUDES THE ISLANDS OF LONG ISLAND, CAT ISLAND, RUM CAY, SAN SALVADOR, THE EXUMAS, ELEUTHERA, NEW PROVIDENCE, ANDROS, THE BERRY ISLANDS, BIMINI, GRAND BAHAMA AND ABACO.

A HURRICANE ALERT MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 60 HOURS.

AT 5AM EDT, THE CENTER OF HURRICANE MATTHEW WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 13.9 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 74.1 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 345 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF PORT AU PRINCE HAITI, 335 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA, 500 MILES SOUTH OF INAGUA AND 800 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF NEW PROVIDENCE.

HURRICANE MATTHEW IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 5 MPH AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TODAY, FOLLOWED BY A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH TONIGHT.  ON THE FORECAST TRACK, THE CENTER OF MATTHEW WILL APPROACH SOUTHEASTERN HAITI AND JAMAICA ON MONDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 150-MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  MATTHEW IS A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE.  SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY ARE POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT MATTHEW IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN A POWERFUL HURRICANE THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 25 MILES FROM THE CENTER AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE CONDITIONS, WHICH COULD BEGIN, TO AFFECT ISLANDS OF MAYAGUANA, INAGUA, CROOKED ISLAND, ACKLINS, RAGGED ISLAND, LONG CAY, SAMANA CAY AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BY LATE TUESDAY WITH TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS POSSIBLE BY EARLY TUESDAY.  RESIDENTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO LISTEN AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO ALL ALERTS ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY.

EXTENSIVE TO SEVERE FLOODING CAN BE EXPECTED AS MATTHEW IS FORECAST TO PRODUCE UP TO 25 INCHES OF RAIN AS IT PASSES THROUGH THE BAHAMAS.

SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD BEGIN TO SEEK SAFE HARBOUR FOR THEIR VESSELS.

BAHAMAS ON ALERT FOR HURRICANE MATTHEW, EXPECTED TO HIT AS A CAT-3 STORM

• All the islands of The Bahamas on HURRICANE ALERT 

• Hurricane Matthew predicted to be a Cat-3 storm in The Bahamas

• Storm expected to bring life-threatening rainfall to portions of Haiti

ALERT #1 ON HURRICANE MATTHEW ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY SATURDAY 01ST OCTOBER, 2016 AT 6 PM EDT.


A HURRICANE ALERT IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

A HURRICANE ALERT MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT THE MENTIONED ISLANDS WITHIN 60 HOURS.

RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS ISLANDS SHOULD BEGIN TO MAKE PREPARATION FOR THE HURRICANE CONDITIONS WHICH COULD BEGIN TO AFFECT ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BEGINNING ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

AT 5:00 PM EDT, THE CENTER OF HURRICANE MATTHEW WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 13.5 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGITUDE 73.4 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 360 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF PORT AU PRINCE HAITI, 385 MILES SOUTHEAST OF KINGSTON JAMAICA, 600 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF RAGGED ISLAND AND 837 MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF NEW PROVIDENCE.

HURRICANE MATTHEW IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 3 MILES PER HOUR, AND A SLOW NORTHWESTWARD MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT. A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH- NORTHWEST WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED ON SUNDAY, FOLLOWED BY A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH ON MONDAY. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 150 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. MATTHEW IS A CATERGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY ARE POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT MATTHEW IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN A POWERFUL HURRICANE THROUGH MONDAY. 

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 25 MILES FROM THE CENTER. TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES FROM THE CENTER.

RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS ISLANDS SHOULD BEGIN TO MAKE PREPARATION FOR THE HURRICANE CONDITIONS WHICH COULD BEGIN TO AFFECT ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BEGINNING ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. RESIDENTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO LISTEN FOR AND PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO ALL ALERTS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY.

MODERATE TO SEVERE FLOODING CAN BE EXPECTED AS MATTHEW IS FORECAST TO PRODUCE UP TO 25 INCHES OF RAIN IN PARTS OF HAITI AND JAMAICA ON MONDAY. SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS SHOULD BEGIN TO SEEK SAFE HARBOUR FOR THEIR VESSELS.
THE NEXT ALERT ON HURRICANE JOAQUIN WILL BE ISSUED AT 9PM EDT ON SATURDAY

2pm UPDATE: Hurricane Matthew slows done, remains strong storm

• POWERFUL MATTHEW MEANDERING OVER THE SOUTH-CENTRAL CARIBBEAN
• FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY EXPECTED, STORM EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG
• TROPICAL STORM-FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES

FIVE DAY TRACK. (Weather Underground) 

At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located
near latitude 13.2 North, longitude 73.4 West.  While Matthew has
been moving erratically for the past couple of hours, overall the
center has drifted southward at around 2 mph (4 km/h).  A faster
motion toward the west should resume later today, followed by a turn
toward the west-northwest by tonight. A turn toward the north-
northwest is forecast on Sunday, with northward motion expected on
Monday.  On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will move
across the central Caribbean Sea today and Sunday, and approach
Jamaica and southwestern Haiti Sunday night and Monday.

Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum
sustained winds are near 140 mph (220 km/h) with higher gusts.
Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the
next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful
hurricane through Monday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205
miles.

The latest minimum central pressure based on data from the NOAA
aircraft is 943 mb.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND:  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.

RAINFALL:  Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher
amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through
Saturday.  Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher
amounts are expected along the coast of Colombia from the Venezuelan
border to Barranquilla.  Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches with
isolated higher amounts are expected along the coast of Venezuela
from Coro to the Colombian border.

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.

SURF:  Swells 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.  These swells
are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current
conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

11AM UPDATE: Matthew remains category 4 hurricane, takes aim for Bahamas, hurricane watch issued in Haiti

• MATTHEW REMAINS A VERY POWERFUL CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE

• TAKES AIM FOR BAHAMAMA

• HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF HAITI

FIVE DAY PLOT. (WeatherUnderground)

At 1100 AM EDT, the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located
near latitude 13.4 North, longitude 73.4 West.  Matthew is moving
toward the west near 6 mph.  A turn toward the west-
northwest is forecast later today, followed by a turn toward the
north-northwest on Sunday and toward the north on Monday.  On the
forecast track, the center of Matthew will move across the central
Caribbean Sea today and Sunday, and approach Jamaica and
southwestern Haiti Sunday night and Monday.

Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate
that maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph (230 km/h) with
higher gusts.  Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are
possible this weekend, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful
hurricane through Monday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles
(335 km).

The latest minimum central pressure measured by the aircraft was
947 mb (27.97 inches).

Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible this weekend, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through Monday. 

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30  miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km). The minimum central pressure estimated by a reconnaissance aircraft was 947 mb. 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND 
---------------------- 
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue in portions of the warning area in Colombia overnight. Hurricane conditions are possible on Jamaica on Monday, with tropical storm conditions possible by late Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in Haiti by late Sunday. 

RAINFALL: Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through Saturday. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected along the coast of Colombia from the Venezuelan border to Riohacha. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected along the coast of Venezuela from Coro to the Colombian border. Rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches are expected across Jamaica and southern and southwestern Haiti. These rains may produce life-threatening flash flooding and mud slides. 

SURF: Swells generated by Matthew are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Venezuela, and Colombia during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.



SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: 

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for... 
* Jamaica 

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... 
* Colombia/Venezuela border to Riohacha 

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... 
* Haiti from the southern border with the Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince 

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 Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case in the next 12 hours. 

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

8AM UPDATE: Matthew drops to Cat-4, remains powerful storm headed for Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas

• POWERFUL MATTHEW MOVING WESTWARD

• TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS, WATCHES ACTIVATED

• HURRICANE WATCH ISSUED FOR JAMAICA

FIVE DAY CONE. (WEATHER UNDERGROUND).

At 800 AM EDT, the center of Hurricane Matthew was
located by an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft near
latitude 13.4 North, longitude 73.1 West.  Matthew is moving toward
the west near 7 mph.  A turn toward the west-northwest is
forecast later today, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest
on Sunday.  On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will
continue to move away from the Guajira Peninsula this morning, move
across the central Caribbean Sea today and Sunday, and approach
Jamaica Sunday night and Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph (250 km/h) with higher
gusts.  Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible
this weekend, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane
through Monday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205
miles (335 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the
aircraft is 947 mb (27.96 inches).

Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible this weekend, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through Monday. 

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km). The minimum central pressure estimated by a reconnaissance aircraft was 941 mb (27.79 inches). 

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND 
---------------------- 
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue in portions of the warning area in Colombia overnight. Hurricane conditions are possible on Jamaica on Monday, with tropical storm conditions possible by late Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in Haiti by late Sunday. 

RAINFALL: Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through Saturday. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected along the coast of Colombia from the Venezuelan border to Riohacha. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches with isolated higher amounts are expected along the coast of Venezuela from Coro to the Colombian border. Rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 25 inches are expected across Jamaica and southern and southwestern Haiti. These rains may produce life-threatening flash flooding and mud slides. 

SURF: Swells generated by Matthew are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Venezuela, and Colombia during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.



SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: 

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for... 
* Jamaica 

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... 
* Colombia/Venezuela border to Riohacha 

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... 
* Haiti from the southern border with the Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince 

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 Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case in the next 12 hours. 

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