Joaquin Becomes a Category 3 Hurricane

Early this morning the eye of Joaquin was near Samana Cays in the Bahamas. Winds are sustained at 120 mph, making Joaquin a Category 3 Hurricane. Movement is to the WSW at 5 mph. A turn toward the WNW is expected tonight, followed by a turn to the north and forward speed on Friday. Some strengthening is in the forecast in the next day, with some fluctuations in intensity possible on Friday. Here are the latest projected possible paths of Joaquin. There are now members (models) that keep the track well off the eastern seaboard, not impacting the east coast. Others however, show possible tracks impacting North and South Carolina and the eastern shore. There is still much uncertainty with the track. Next Monday and Tuesday, we’ll watch for potential impacts over the New England Region. As Joaquin enters cooler waters, it will be less likely however for it to sustain it’s major hurricane status.

Hurricane Warnings are currently in effect for Central Bahamas, Northwestern Bahamas, including Abacos, Berry Islands, Eleuthra, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence. In the southeastern Bahamas, The Acklins, Crooked Island, and Mayaguana. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. Preparations to protect life and property should be complete in the central Bahamas. -Meteorologist Brittany Beggs