ABC News(NEW YORK) — The brunt of Hurricane Matthew’s dangerous wind and rain is expected to strike several Caribbean countries Monday night and Tuesday, as the Category 4 hurricane heads toward Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica.
The hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, is expected to bring “life-threatening flash floods and mudslides,” according to the National Hurricane Center.
Up to 25 inches of rain are forecast over the next two days across southern Haiti and parts of the southwest Dominican Republic. As many as 12 inches of rainfall are expected in Cuba and parts of western Haiti, and up to 10 inches are forecast in eastern Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Where Is Hurricane Matthew?
Hurricane Matthew was located about 205 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 275 miles southwest of Port au Prince, Haiti, as of Monday morning, and the slow-moving storm is inching northward at about 6 mph.
The hurricane is expected to approach southwestern Haiti Monday night, possibly bringing catastrophic flash flooding.
Schools in Haiti are closed Monday and Tuesday, as the country braces for Matthew’s arrival. Government officials are urging residents to heed possible evacuation and preparation orders, especially in landslide-prone areas.
The U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince will also be closed Monday and Tuesday for routine appointments, and officials are advising all U.S. citizens in the country to shelter in place.
The National Hurricane Center warned that the hurricane is expected to “bring life-threatening” rain, wind, and storm surge to portions of Haiti.
In Jamaica, government officials are making a “strong appeal” to residents in flood prone areas, urging them to evacuate to shelters.
The hurricane’s force winds extend out 25 miles from the center of the storm, meaning catastrophic destruction is expected within a 25-mile radius of the eye of the storm when it approaches land.
Hurricane Watches and Warning
Hurricane warnings are in effect for Jamaica, Haiti, parts of Cuba (including Guantanamo) and parts of the southeastern Bahamas, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A hurricane watch is in effect for Turks and Caicos Islands, parts of central Bahamas, and the Cuban province of Camaguey.
Meanwhile, tropical storm warnings and watches are in effect for parts of the Dominican Republic.
Will Hurricane Matthew Affect the U.S.?
It is too early to determine whether Matthew will affect the United States.
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