A state of emergency has been declared for Florida ahead of Hurricane Matthew as its forecast track moves west.
Hurricane Matthew will continue to be a dangerous hurricane for at least the next five days, according to global models, and the threat of direct impacts to Florida is increased. The forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center brushes against most of the state’s east coast, but notes that “hazardous conditions can occur outside of the cone.” Tropical watches could be in effect for parts of Florida and the Keys later this week.
With the storm’s current track, east coast counties from Monroe to Nassau could experience tropical force winds, beach erosion, rip currents and heavy rain, the governor’s statement said. The slow-moving storm could impact the state as early as Wednesday and last through Saturday.
“Hurricane Matthew is a life-threatening Category 4 hurricane and we must all take it seriously,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. “If Hurricane Matthew directly impacts Florida, there could be massive destruction which we haven’t seen since Hurricane Andrew devastated Miami-Dade County in 1992.”
Scott said he declared the state of emergency due to how storms can change track with little notice.
“Our National Guard stands ready to be deployed if needed,” Scott said. “I am also in contact with the utilities across the state and will stay in communication with them regarding their plans if there are any power outages. We are taking steps to move additional fuel to the state’s east coast. On the Florida Turnpike, we also have extra fuel trucks on standby to get anywhere in our state. Again, while we are preparing for the worst, we are hoping for the best and will not take any chances with a storm of this magnitude.”
The storm has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, according to the hurricane center. It is moving north, but is expected to make a turn north-northwest on Wednesday.
Jamaica, Haiti and the eastern part of Cuba are under hurricane warnings, as the storm is expected to pass through the Caribbean Sea through Wednesday morning. The Bahamas is on a hurricane watch. Portions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina could feel the effects of Matthew later this week, even if the storm’s eye stays in the Atlantic.