Hurricane Joaquin bumped winds up to 85 mph and is expected to dump 5-to-10 inches of rain on the Bahamas by Thursday. The National Hurricane Center sees the system getting stronger as the week progresses.
The NHC issued a stern warning for the Central Bahamas: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.”
Meteorologists are still unsure if Joaquin will threaten the East Coast or Northeast, however, current models favor a direct hit on the New York City metropolitan area.
Some models predict the storm could reach Category 3 with winds above 111 mph before striking the mainland. It could hit the Northeast as a Category 1. The Delmarva peninsula (Maryland and Delaware) could get 5-7 inches of rain.
Social Storm Tracks
Latest track of #Hurricane #Joaquin; still a lot of uncertainty.. @JimCantore breaks down the threat on @AMHQ! pic.twitter.com/aUSSIfHhi7
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 30, 2015
Regardless of track of #Joaquin, heavy rain Friday-Saturday would cause major flooding issues around the region. pic.twitter.com/x6eXlohKvF
— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) September 30, 2015
2pm update from the Hurricane Center. #Joaquin now forecast to became a major hurricane. Track still brings into #DC. pic.twitter.com/tVAb4MZjpS
— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) September 30, 2015
#WXALERT – Updated track – Hurricane Joaquin now forecast to become Category 3. Close to LI on Monday @News12LI pic.twitter.com/Rw88B0TpVt
— RichHoffmanWeather (@hoffmanrich) September 30, 2015
Track & intensity of #Joaquin is uncertain but we encourage everyone to be prepared. #ReadyNJ http://t.co/i7aAxyt8pM pic.twitter.com/flruhVQcGV
— NJOEM (@ReadyNJ) September 30, 2015
