Dramatic pictures from onboard the International Space Station have captured Hurricane Matthew as it heads towards the Caribbean islands of Haiti and Jamaica.

Winds of up to 140mph have been recorded from the Category 4 storm, the centre of which is expected to pass near southern Haiti.

Thousands of residents have fled to emergency shelters as heavy rain battered the islands.

Matthew is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recent history and briefly reached the top classification, Category 5.