Wow—after all the hype! I hope it’s this light for everyone in the storm’s path.
As long as the storm stays at least 30 miles offshore, I don’t believe there will be too much damage. The wind here (10 mies inland) is LESS than 15 MPH. This might be because Matthew is a tight hurricane with the heaviest winds in only a very narrow, tight band around the eye. Also the Florida coast is on the “weak” side of Matthew. As I stated before, I don’t have first hand knowledge of beach conditions but I expect high waves. As far as a surge, if the wind is as mild as it is here, 10 miles inland, I don’t think there will be a high surge as long as the eye stays at least 30 miles offshore.