Tropical storm Matthew to hit Belize

Belize is now preparing for a possible hit from a strengthening Tropical Storm Matthew.



Matthew was predicted to be heading overnight towards Central America.

Yesterday, the Belize government cancelled all school classes ahead of an expected direct hit at the weekend.



Residents, particularly those living on offshore islands, have been urged to move to higher ground.



Belize and other Central American countries are facing one of the most intense rainy seasons in the last 60 years.



And flooding and landslides in the region have killed more than 300 people and caused serious damage in recent months.



Matthew is forecast to make landfall near the Nicaragua-Honduras border late today or early tomorrow.