Tropická búrka Matthew zosilní na hurikán

Tropical Storm Matthew, seen here using enhanced infrared imagery from the GOES East satellite on September 29, 2016, is currently moving west at roughly 13 miles per hour. On the current forecast track, the center of the storm will pass to the north of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao through Friday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Matthew has maximum sustained winds near 70 miles per hour with higher gusts. A gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Matthew is expected to become a hurricane later today or tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba beginning late today. Matthew is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches across the Windward Islands and southern portions of the Leeward Islands throughout today. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected to the north into the northern Leeward Islands, including the United States and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected over Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao through Friday.

Infrared imagery like this is often colorized to bring out details in cloud patterns. Depending on the type of enhancement, the colors are used to signify certain aspects of the data, such as cloud-top heights. This is important because taller clouds correlate with more active weather and can be used to assist in forecasting.

For the most recent updates and forecast information, please visit the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#MATTHEW

See up-to-date satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Matthew at http://go.usa.gov/xKtfs

Posted by NOAA Satellite and Information Service on 29. september 2016