At 5:00 AM today the National Hurricane Center reported the center of Hurricane Matthew to be 130 miles northwest of Curacao and 535 southeast of Kingston Jamaica.
Matthew is moving toward the west near 14 mph and tis expected to slow through tomorrow. A turn toward the northwest is expected Saturday night or on Sunday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 100 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 45 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in Curacao and Aruba this morning. Tropical storm conditions are possible over portions of the watch area in Colombia beginning later today.
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.
Swells generated by Matthew are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, 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 AM EST. The next complete advisory at 11:00 AM EST.
