Matthew is now a Category 4 Hurricane

At 5:00 PM today the National Hurricane Center upgraded Hurricane Matthew to a Category 4 hurricane. It is now 465 miles southeast of Kingston Jamaica.

Matthew is moving toward the southwest at 9 mph and is expected to slow through tomorrow. A turn toward the northwest is expected Saturday night or on Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 140 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Matthew could become a major hurricane later today or tonight.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in portions of the warning area in Colombia through tonight. 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 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.

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.

The National Hurricane Center will issue the next intermediate advisory at 8:00 PM EST. The next complete advisory at 11:00 PM EST.