A massive onslaught brews at South American countries facing the Atlantic Ocean as powerful Hurricane Matthew barrels the coastlines of Jamaica and Cuba.
Packed with 160 mph winds, Hurricane Matthew is considered as Category 4 hurricane by the US National Hurricane Center. It has enough wind force to wreck houses on its path.
Storm warnings were also raised in Florida, Colombia and Haiti as weather forecasters announced that the powerful hurricane could hit the areas on Monday.
However, residents are warned that they could feel the effects of Hurricane Matthew as early as Sunday. Authorities also advised the people to store food and water ahead of Matthew’s landfall.
Several airline companies, including IBC Airways, American Airlines and Delta Airlines, have already announced the cancellation of their flight in the affected areas.
As early as Saturday, authorities have implemented forced evacuations of tourists from Montegro Bay as the hurricane’s high winds coupled with strong surge could cause catastrophic damage.
Hurricane Matthew was last spotted 420 miles southeast of Kingston in Jamaica. The real-time location of the hurricane can be viewed below:
As of 5pm, #HurricaneMatthew remains a strong category 4 storm with winds of 150mph. Majority of models do NOT have a landfall in #Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/JUGVC53pam
— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) October 1, 2016
Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness is already in his way to Montego Bay to examine the country’s preparedness for #HurricaneMatthew
Making my way to Montego Bay then Port Royal to examine to state of preparedness for #HurricaneMatthew. pic.twitter.com/tb6lK7KqM6 — Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 1, 2016
Ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister has already spearheaded massive information drive against the onslaught of Hurricane Matthew.
Is your home hurricane ready? This image can be useful to help in your readiness. #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/MPpV3psHDf
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 1, 2016
Matthew is so far the strongest hurricane along the Atlantic Ocean since Felix in 2007.