Hurricane Joaquin gains strength en route to Bahamas

Hurricane Joaquin rapidly grew in strength Wednesday night, generating winds at speeds in excess of 111 miles per hour and elevating it to a Category 3 hurricane shortly after the storm had been classified Category 2.

At this time the estimated storms surge is 2 to 4 feet and rainfall estimates are between 5 and 10 inches for the affected areas. The storm’s long-term path is still uncertain, but forecasters predict the tropical cyclone could pose a threat to the Mid-Atlantic or New England states.

For now, the system is expected to bypass Florida because a cold front – forecast to bring slightly cooler weather to the state this weekend – should push the system north by Saturday.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the central Bahamas and a hurricane watch for the northern Bahamas. Officials have extended hurricane warning conditions for the Bahamas to include the capital city of Nassau.

The storm reached Category 1 status on Wednesday morning and has continued to strengthen throughout the day. CNN passed on a statement for the Bahamas from the national Hurricane Center: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion”.

– Confidence in the details of the track forecast late in the period remains low…

Meteorologist Andrew Wilson will fly with the Hurricane Hunters overnight tonight into Thursday morning.

In the National Hurricane’s Center forecast discussion for Joaquin, forecasters said the storm may run into shear within the next three days, which would cause the storm to weaken and head toward the Mid-Atlantic coast by days four and five. The entire Eastern Seaboard is gearing up for a few heavy rains beginning on Friday through Sunday, but it could get especially gnarly if Hurricane Joaquin, which has just been officially upgraded from a tropical storm, makes landfall. Heavy rains are buffeting the region through the weekend with up to 11 inches of rain possible in parts of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic.

National Weather Service forecast shows rain bands of Joaquin.

The Morris County OEM indicated it will continue to monitor the potential flood impacts for the area and will work with our Morris County Park Police partners to have high-water vehicles available for deployment in support of the OEM assets, if necessary.