Baptist and Reflector
Image: NOAA.gov
NASHVILLE — The Weather Channel is predicting that Hurricane Matthew will have a “catastrophic” effect on Haiti. The hurricane, which is predicted to make landfall on Oct. 4, also is expected to impact Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, according to the weather network.
In addition, the hurricane is anticipated to strike the East Coast of the United States between Florida and Virginia.
If the dire predictions pan out, southern Haiti could receive up to 40 inches of rain. Western Haiti and eastern Cuba could get up to 20 inches of rain. The heavy rain could cause flash flooding and mudslides.
The Weather Channel also reported that the hurricane force winds could cause extensive structural damages.
Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Convention, is monitoring the situation and said Tennessee Baptist volunteers need to be on alert for possible callout.
Tennessee Baptist volunteers have responded to a number of disaster relief needs this year that have put a strain on the DR budget, Jones reported.
Tennessee Baptists interested in donating to hurricane relief can respond online at tndisasterrelief.org to 2016 Hurricane Matthew or by check made payable to the Tennessee Baptist Convention and mailed to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 728, Brentwood, TN 37024.
Updates will be posted online throughout this week at www.baptistandreflector.org.
