Caribbean - Tropical Cyclone MATTHEW (GDACS, NOAA, ECHO, CDEMA, Local media)
On Wednesday September 28 2016, the tropical disturbance was upgraded to a Tropical Storm, which could turn into a Tropical Cyclone by Friday. Several Eastern Caribbean islands have been affected. A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Guadeloupe and Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba.
Heavy thunder showers, with maximum sustained winds close to 95 km/h with higher gusts, are expected to strengthen during the next couple of days. Countries have taken precautionary measures and emergency operations centres are activated. A GDACS orange alert is in effect for Jamaica, and UNDAC are on stand-by for deployment.
St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and parts of Dominica have experienced significant rainfall (+/- 100 to 150 mm), with more rainfall expected, and reports of flash flooding and swollen rivers.
The Tropical Cyclone's projected path is expected to turn to the north, with probable landfall somewhere between Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Residents of eastern Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic are to be prepared.
ECHO is in contact with countries, regional authorities and partners, as well as with EU Delegations. Contacts with Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba are increased, as these countries might be affected by the Tropical Cyclone's impact. CDEMA continues to monitor the system. The Regional Coordination Plan has been activated and the Regional Response Mechanism has been placed on standby.
