HURRICANE MATTHEW ARRIVES On 30 September the US Navy (USN) released a GOES-13 satellite image (see here) from the Navy Research Laboratory Monterey Marine Meteorology division of Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea at 1935 Eastern Time (ET). The storm has a well-defined eye and was located near latitude 13.5° North, longitude 72.0° West. Data from a USAir Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds had increased to near 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher gusts. USN reported on 2 October that Matthew is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity were anticipated over the weekend 1-2 October, with Matthew was expected to remain a powerful hurricane through 2 October In preparation for Hurricane Matthew, Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) ordered the mandatory evacuation for approximately 700 spouses and children on board Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This was announced on 2 October. Navy Region Southeast was reported as coordinating with US Southern Command and US Transportation Command for an airlift to transport family members via military aircraft to safe haven at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. Family members would remain in Pensacola until it is safe to return. Remaining military and civilian personnel will shelter in place and be able to support recovery efforts once safe to do so following the storm’s passage, it was reported. (©US Navy photo/Released).
