Hurricane Matthew has downgraded slightly to a Category 3 storm (120 mph) as it wobbles just off shore and threads the gulf stream needle meandering NNW at 14mph. The eye wall itself is about 70 miles off shore and the hurricane force winds extend 60 miles from center, so you can see it’s skirting the coast…. very close.
Each mile makes a big difference.  Palm Bay, Melbourne and Titusville Florida are feeling the scour of the wind field now.  The paramount concern is the wall of water (storm surge) being pushed by Matthew as it heads toward Jacksonville Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

UPDATE 200 AM EDT (0600 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located by NOAA Doppler weather radars and an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 27.6 North, longitude 79.7 West.
Matthew is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h). A turn toward the north-northwest is expected later today, and a turn toward the north is expected tonight or Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will be moving near or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through tonight, and near or over the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday. (more…)

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “2016 Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Presidential Race and/or any of the candidates therein.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †

Our apologies in advance for shutting down comments on previous threads. It becomes necessary to ensure we have thoroughly reviewed anyone who might be reaching out for assistance.
Need(s): If there is anyone in/around the Waynesville Georgia area who can check on (not necessarily physically), and provide reassurance to a person in the area – we have a need. Please email an out-of state relative directly at [ [email protected] ] with any assistance. Thanks.

9:45pm EDT Radar

Nighttime always makes storms seem more looming or dangerous. Currently (8:30pm) the eye of Matthew is approximately 75 miles due East of West Palm Beach Florida, moving North West at 13mph. The eye is moving over Freeport Grand Bahama. The outer bands already battering the FL coastline, but the worst winds still off shore.  Let us hope this storm stays off shore as long as possible….
At 800 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located over the western end of Grand Bahama Island near latitude 26.6 North, longitude 78.9 West. The hurricane is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue tonight with a turn toward the north-northwest early Friday. (more…)

Here’s the latest information from Florida Governor Rick Scott on Hurricane Matthew and the preparations in place. North of Brevard County still has an opportunity to evacuate.

(more…)

Alico Arena located in South Fort Myers Florida has opened as a possible shelter opportunity for East Coast residents fleeing the storm. Almost every hotel on the entire West Coast of Florida is full.

Charlotte County, FL Shelters AVAILABLE HERE
Lee County, FL Shelters AVAILABLE HERE
Collier County, FL Shelter List AVAILABLE HERE
Here’s a list of South West Florida evacuation centers that also might be an option:
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Candidate Donald Trump is holding a rally/town hall event tonight in Sandown, New Hampshire.  Live Stream coverage of the event is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm EDT:
Live Stream Link – Alternate Live Stream #1 – Alternate Live Stream #2

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Friends, due to the scope and potential severity of Hurricane Matthew we are going to suspend traditional research and discussion threads so that we (specifically me) can focus all attention on any Tree House member who might need assistance in this storm.
Remember, no-one is ever alone.  As Americans, we are always at our best when our nation is in its greatest need.  We are a UNITED states.

The current forecast track puts Matthew hitting the Eastern Florida coast North of Miami and heading north along the entire coast toward Georgia and South Carolina.   Even if the worst elements of the weather impact are only 15-20 miles inland (from the coast), that is an impact zone with more than 10 million people (coastal residents) within it.
Many people might not be aware that elements within the private business community (critical societal needs), and risk management, have been coordinating and planning for decades in the event such a situation might occur (continuously hoping it did not).
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Any Florida Treeper who finds themselves in need of help, please feel free to use the comment section and we’ll work earnestly to assist. Prayers for all.

At 200 PM EDT (1800 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located near latitude 25.7 North, longitude 78.4 West. The hurricane is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue today with a turn toward the north-northwest tonight or early Friday. On the forecast track, the eye of Matthew should be near or over Freeport in the Bahamas in the next few hours, and move close to or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through Friday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 140 mph (220 km/h) with higher gusts. Matthew is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is possible, and Matthew should remain a Category 4 hurricane while it approaches the Florida coast. (more…)

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “2016 Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Presidential Race and/or any of the candidates therein.

This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread.