KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Matthew has strengthened to a Category 2 storm as it moves through the Caribbean.

The Meteorological (Met) Service of Jamaica said in a release this morning that Hurricane Matthew is heading towards the central Caribbean Sea.

At 4:00 am the centre of the hurricane was located 860 km east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

Matthew is moving towards the west near 22 km/h and this general motion with a decrease in forward speed is forecast through Saturday, the Met Service said.

Hurricane Matthew is passing to the north of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Forecast models expect the hurricane to continue on its westward path on Friday and Saturday and then turn towards the north, bringing it closer to the Jamaica area on Sunday and Monday.

The Met Service said a ‘Hurricane Watch’ may be required for Jamaica later today and the storm is expected to strengthen during the next 48 hours, causing Matthew to become a major hurricane later today or tonight.

Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. Other small craft operators in Jamaica’s coastal waters are also advised to return to port. Small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.

The Meteorological Service said it will continue to closely monitor this system.