KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Meteorological (Met) Service says that a hurricane warning is still in effect for Jamaica, as Hurricane Matthew has strengthened slightly and resumed its northwest motion towards Jamaica.

The following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica by Monday:

• Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force;

• Average wind speeds greater than 118 kilometres per hour;

At 1:00 pm the centre of Hurricane Matthew was located about 475 kilometres (295 miles) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica or 535 kilometres (335 miles) south-southwest of Port au Prince, Haiti.

The Met Service says Matthew is moving toward the northwest at 7 km/h (5 mph). A turn toward the north is expected tonight. On the forecast track, the centre of Matthew will approach Jamaica and southwestern Haiti on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 230 km/h (145 mph), with higher gusts, so Matthew remains a Category 4 hurricane.  Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane into Tuesday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 55 km (35 miles) from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 335 km (205 miles).

Meanwhile, outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue this afternoon through tonight. Matthew is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of:

• 250-500 mm (10-20 in) primarily across eastern parishes (St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, and Kingston and St Andrew) with isolated amounts of 600 mm (25 in) over higher elevations, and

• 50-100 mm (2-4 in) across western and central parishes with isolated accumulations of 150 mm (6 in).

 These rainfall amounts will produce extensive flooding and trigger dangerous landslides.

Wave heights will increase well in advance of Hurricane Matthew’s approach to affect mainly southern coastlines. 

All small craft operators are further advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions return to normal, Met Service said.