AT 2 P.M. THE centre of Hurricane Matthew was located near latitude 14.2 North, longitude 67.0 West.
Matthew is moving toward the west near 17 mph (28 km/h), and a general westward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days.
Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (110km/h) with higher gusts.
Gradual strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours.
Hurricane-force-winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the centre. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km) from the centre.
NOAA buoy 42059 has recently reported sustained winds of 47 mph (76 km/h) with a gust to 54 mph (86 km/h).
The latest minimum central pressure reported by the Hurricane Hunter aircraft was 993 mb (29.32 inches).
Tropical storm conditions are possible in Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba beginning late today.
Rainfall associated with Matthew will begin to diminish across the Lesser Antilles this afternoon, with additional amounts of an inch or less expected.
Rainfall totals of two to four inches with isolated higher amounts are expected over Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao through Saturday.
Swells generated by Matthew are expected to affect portions of the coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Venezuela, and Colombia during the next few days.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.