The slow-moving monster Category 4 storm, which is barreling along at just seven miles an hour, is now taking aim at Cuba and Haiti and could impact Florida and the Carolinas by the end of the workweek.
The westward shift increases the chance of the hurricane having an impact on the Hudson Valley area sometime after Saturday.
Packing sustained winds of up to 140 miles per hour, the storm is already blamed for three deaths, including a fisherman in Haiti, where floods and mudslides are possible with up to 40 inches of rain possible in some parts of the island.
The models for Matthew's path now project it will be a Category 2 storm with winds of around 110 miles per hour on Saturday when it is expected to reach the Carolina coast. The top American model for the storm's path has Hurricane Matthew making a direct hit on South Carolina on Saturday.
"The threat to Florida and the southeastern U.S. coast has increased," said the National Hurricane Center Monday afternoon.
States of emergency have been declared in both Florida and North Carolina.
"Significant westward shift of the forecast track of Hurricane #Matthew in overnight model guidance," tweeted Michael Ventrice, meteorologist at Massachusetts-based Weather Co Energy. "This is one to watch east coasters."
There is still uncertainty with Matthew's path, especially beyond five days. Check back to Daily Voice for updates and visit the National Hurricane Center's website here.
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