Matthew Now A Category 2 Hurricane
Hurricane Matthew
5:00 PM EDT on October 07, 2016
Location 30.2 N -80.7 W
Winds: 110 mph Gust: 135 mph
Pressure: 948 mb
Category: 2
Moving: N at 12 mph
Hurricane Matthew has made its northward turn during the past hour. This places the center just to the east of Jacksonville, FL moving north at 12 mph. Matthew has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane. This downgrade does not minimize the threat to the coastal sections of the southeast coast. The immediate coast will continue to be hit with hurricane force winds as Matthew travels just off the coast. Tropical storm force winds extend well inland.
Sadly, there has been two deaths so far in Florida related to Hurricane Matthew and well over 100 in Haiti. Hopefully we won’t see anymore deaths associated with this storm. This highlights the fact that this was a dangerous storm that should be taken seriously. One death in Florida was health related and the paramedics could not respond due to high winds.
Matthew will continue to move north along the coast for the next 24 hours or so and begin to take a turn to the east just south of Wilmington. The turn could vary and cannot rule out landfall over South or North Carolina though chances in North Carolina are less than South Carolina. If you live in these areas, take action now. The storm remains dangerous.
After Matthew takes this turn to the east, a turn to the south and southwest to create a loop off the southeast coast and come close to Florida again. The storm would be very weak if it even makes it back so if you are in Florida, you can rest easy.
The main story going forward for ENC is the heavy rainfall and potential flooding. This threat is spelled out in this post a little earlier.
Hurricane Warnings have been issued for Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties in ENC. These areas could experience hurricane conditions over the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for Pamlico, Washington, Hyde, Beaufort, Tyrrell, Onslow, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Lenoir, Greene, Jones, Martin, Carteret, and Pitt Counties in ENC. These areas could experience tropical storm conditions over the next 36 hours. If you are in any of these areas, pay close attention to the NWS for official information regarding these warnings.
We are nearing the end of this long track of Matthew. As this storm weakens, it is important to remember that this is still a hurricane that can create a lot of damage and risk to life. Do not be complacent since this storm has “weakened”.
I will be continuing to monitor the situation and will update this evening or in the morning.
Stay safe this weekend!