Hurricane Matthew continues to strengthen as it moves toward the central Caribbean Sea and becomes more of a threat to Jamaica.

At 1:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Matthew was located near Latitude 13.6 degrees North, Longitude 71.3 degrees West, or about 730 kilometres (455 miles) southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica or 140 kilometres (85 miles) north of Punta Gallinas, Colombia.

Matthew is moving towards the west-southwest near 19 km/h (12 mph) and a westward motion at a slower forward speed is expected later today and tonight. A turn toward the west-northwest is forecast by Saturday night, followed by a turn toward the northwest by early Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 195 km/h (120 mph), with higher gusts, making Matthew a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 55 km (35 miles) from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 km (195 miles).

On its forecast track, the centre of Matthew will remain over the south-central Caribbean Sea through Saturday before turning towards Jamaica’s territorial waters on Sunday morning. Sea conditions associated with the hurricane will gradually deteriorate over the next 36-48 hours with northeasterly winds reaching gale force. All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour. Weather conditions across the island are expected to be impacted by the outer bands of Matthew later on Sunday.

As the Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system, it is possible that a Tropical Storm Watch could be issued later today. All interests must pay special attention to further Releases.

The next Bulletin on Hurricane Matthew will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.