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A hurricane watch has been issued for Jamaica as Hurricane Matthew strengthened significantly Friday afternoon, becoming a powerful Category 4 storm.
A hurricane watch means the country could begin experiencing hurricane conditions within 48 hours.
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, there has been a decline in forward speed from earlier in the day.
Ronald Moodie, acting head of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, says forecasts show the system is likely to continue slowing between Friday night and Saturday. As a result, he says the hurricane could strengthen before it begins affecting Jamaica on Sunday. He does not, however, believe the it will become a Category 5 storm.
In a bulletin Friday afternoon, Jamaica's Meteorological Service said Hurricane Matthew continues to strengthen as it moves towards the central Caribbean Sea and becomes more of a threat to Jamaica.
At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, the centre of Hurricane Matthew was located about 710 kilometres southeast of Morant Point.
Matthew is moving towards the west-southwest and a westward motion at a slower forward speed is expected later on Friday.
A turn toward the west-northwest is forecast by Saturday night, followed by a turn toward the northwest by early Sunday.
On its forecast track, the centre of Matthew will remain over the south-central Caribbean Sea through Saturday before turning towards Jamaica’s territorial waters on Sunday morning.
Sea conditions associated with the hurricane will gradually deteriorate over the next 36 to 48 hours with northeasterly winds reaching gale force.
All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour.
Weather conditions across the island are expected to be impacted by the outer bands of Matthew late Sunday.
All interests must pay special attention to further releases.
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