Latest on Tropical Storm Matthew from Accuweather.com
We are keeping a very close eye on Hurricane Matthew as it moves through the Caribbean.
Story Highlights
Matthew is nearing hurricane strength in the eastern Caribbean Sea.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
Jamaica, Hispañola, eastern Cuba and The Bahamas face a hurricane threat early next week.
Potential U.S. impact next week remains unclear.
Tropical Storm Matthew is near hurricane strength in the Caribbean Sea and poses a danger to Jamaica, parts of Hispañola, eastern Cuba, and The Bahamas early next week. It’s potential U.S. impact later next week remains unclear.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
Matthew was located just under 300 miles south of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as of late Thursday morning.
Current Storm Status
A Hurricane Hunters reconnaissance mission early Thursday measured flight-level winds a few thousand feet above the sea of just over 90 mph. So, Matthew is teetering with hurricane status, despite the wind shear.
A tropical storm watch continues for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Winds of 40 mph or greater are possible there beginning later Thursday.
Current Watches/Warnings
Radar from Meteo France shows the heaviest rain has ended, but a few bands of rain are still lingering over parts of the Lesser Antilles, but will slowly diminish the remainder of Thursday.
George F.L. Charles Airport on St. Lucia picked up 9.21 inches of rain Wednesday. On the south side of the island, Hewanorra Int’l Airport picked up 13.19 inches of rain in just 12 hours from 8 p.m. Wednesday through 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the Antigua Met Service.
For most, total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected across the Windward Islands and the southern Leeward Islands through Thursday. Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches can be expected farther north across the northern Leeward Islands plus the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Accumulations will range from 1 to 3 inches across the Leeward Antilles, including Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao through Friday.
A wind gust to 89 mph was reported in St. Pierre, Martinique, Wednesday evening. Some stations are elevated at 50 to 100 feet. Sustained winds of 39 mph were reported on the island of Barbados.