The government of Colombia has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for
the coast of Colombia from the Colombia/Venezuela border to
Riohacha.SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba
* Colombia/Venezuela border to RiohachaA Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 24 to
36 hours.Interests elsewhere along the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia
should monitor the progress of Matthew. Interests in Jamaica,
Hispaniola, and eastern Cuba should also monitor the progress of
Matthew.For storm information specific to your area, please monitor
products issued by your national meteorological service.
DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew was
located near latitude 14.1 North, longitude 67.8 West. Matthew is
moving toward the west near 17 mph (28 km/h). A westward to
west-southwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed
is expected during the next couple of days.Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher
gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours.Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from
the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185
miles (295 km). NOAA buoy 42059 has recently reported sustained
winds of 59 mph (94 km/h) with a gust to 63 mph (101 km/h).The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb (29.33 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible in Bonaire, Curacao,
and Aruba tonight and Friday. Tropical storm conditions are
possible over portions of the watch in Colombia beginning Friday.RAINFALL: Rainfall associated with Matthew will continue to diminish
across the Lesser Antilles this evening. Isolated additional
rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible over the southern
Windward Islands. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with isolated
higher amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through
Saturday.SURF: 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.
Please consult products from your local weather office.
