Dangerous Hurricane Matthew is approaching the east coast of Florida early Thursday. At 5 am, Matthew was located near 24.2 North, 77.1 West, or about 255 miles southeast of West Palm Beach. It was moving northwest at 10 miles per hour, and maximum sustained winds had increased to 125 miles per hour. Additional strengthening is forecast later on Thursday.
A hurricane warning now stretches from the Miami-Dade/Broward line to the Florida/Georgia line. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the 7 Mile Bridge to the Miami-Dade/Broward line. Matthew is forecast to move up or just off the entire east coast of Florida, and millions of people will experience damaging winds, heavy rain, and storm surge flooding.
Matthew’s closest approach to South Florida will be Thursday afternoon into the early morning hours of Friday, but conditions will deteriorate by mid to late morning. Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected in Miami-Dade and Broward, and hurricane force gusts (74 miles per hour and above) are a distinct possibility. Palm Beach County can expect periods of sustained hurricane force winds on Thursday evening into the overnight hours.
In Miami-Dade, Broward, and the Upper Keys, shutters should be in place by early morning, because it will be too dangerous to work with heavy panels or climb ladders when gusty winds arrive. Bring in any outdoor items, so that they won’t become projectiles in high winds. Close accordion and roll-down shutters this morning. Prepare your home, and then prepare to stay safe from noon onward until Matthew has cleared our area.
For the Naples and Marco Island areas, a tropical storm watch is now in effect. If residents there haven’t done so yet, make sure you have supplies on hand and be ready to take further action if necessary.
