By Victoria Price
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (CBS12) — 11PM FRIDAY UPDATE. ‘Extremely dangerous’ Hurricane Matthew has now strengthened into a catastrophic Category 5 storm.
The 11 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center says Matthew’s winds are sustained winds up to 160+ mph.
Hurricane Matthew continues to gain strength Friday, growing to one of the strongest storms the Caribbean has seen in recent years.
Matthew now has maximum sustained winds up to 150 mph, as of 8 p.m. Friday.
Some additional strengthening is possible in the next 12 hours or so, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The track has now shifted slightly west, putting east coast of Florida in the cone.
Some additional strengthening is possible in the next 12 hours or so, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Matthew is expected to maintain its strength as it treks westward through the Caribbean Sea through the weekend.
A major hurricane is defined as a category 4 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
That scale is ranked on maximum sustained wind speed (see image). A category 3 hurricane has winds over 110 mph and can cause devastating damage to structures.
While it is still unclear beyond the weekend where Matthew will go, it is imperative that Florida residents keep a close watch on Matthew’s latest forecast track and intensity.
Forecasts show that a large, powerful hurricane may be near or over the Bahamas by Tuesday-Wednesday, but any change in track may bring the system closer or farther from Florida.
Given the large error in long term forecasts and the wide range of possibilities displayed we encourage you to check back daily for further updates.
At this time, it is a good idea to check your hurricane plan and kit to make sure you are prepared should a storm near our region. Preparedness is always the best measure to protect yourself against pending storms.
Bron: CBS12.com