Hurricane Matthew formed on September 28, 2016 and reached its peak strength on October 1, becoming a Category 5 hurricane. It affected several Caribbean islands, being particularly devastating in Haiti, where it caused severe damage and many deaths.
In Cuba, Matthew primarily affected the east, particularly the provinces of Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba. On October 4, the hurricane made landfall, causing heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds. Cuban authorities evacuated thousands of people and prepared shelters. Although Cuba implemented effective protective measures, the hurricane caused significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and housing in the region.
The strongest wind gusts were recorded in:
Guantanamo: 190 km/h
Baracoa: 150 km/h
Santiago de Cuba: 140 km/h
Holguin: 120 km/h
Caimanera: 135 km/h
The largest rainfall accumulations during the passage of Hurricane Matthew, as well as the values in millimeters:
Baracoa: up to 300 mm
Guantanamo: up to 250 mm
Santiago de Cuba: up to 200 mm
Yateras: about 220 mm
Maisí: about 240 mm
The swell reached significant peaks in several areas of Cuba. Waves of up to 7 to 10 meters were reported in some localities.
Baracoa: waves up to 9 meters
Guantanamo: waves of 7 to 8 meters
Santiago de Cuba: waves of around 6 to 8 meters.
Alligator: 7 meter waves.
Maisi: waves up to 8 meters.
Hurricane Matthew began to dissipate on October 7, 2016, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean and weakening as it encountered cooler waters. It became a post-tropical storm on October 9, losing its organization and strength. Due to the devastation it caused, particularly in Haiti and Cuba, the name "Matthew" was retired from the list of hurricane names during the Atlantic hurricane season, as part of the World Meteorological Organization's protocol.
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