Hurricane Joaquin barreled toward the Bahamas Thursday as a powerful Category Three storm with sustained winds of 120 miles (195 kilometers) an hour, US weather forecasters said.
The eye of the storm was expected to move near or over the central Bahamas later Thursday on a course that could take it up the east coast of the United States, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.
At 0600 GMT, Joaquin was about 35 miles northeast of Samana Cays, Bahamas, moving in a southwesterly at a speed of six miles (nine kilometers) per hour.
The hurricane reached Category Three status late Wednesday, making it a major hurricane, and its winds have only picked up strength since then.
"Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 120 mph (195km/h) with higher gusts," the NHC said.
"Additional strengthening is forecast today," it said.
Hurricane warnings were up over of the central and northwestern Bahamas, an island chain that at its most northern point sits off the coast of southern Florida.
Hurricane warnings were in effect for Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador in central Bahamas, and the Abacos, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence in northwestern Bahamas.
Hurricanes that are Category Three have sustained winds of 111-130 miles per hour that can tear off roofs, fell trees and splinter wood-frame houses.
They can cause coastal flooding and burst river banks because of the torrential rains they typically bring.
This storm was expected to dump up to 20 inches of rain in parts of the central Bahamas, raising the risk of flash floods.
Water levels were expected to rise five to eight feet above normal as a result of the storm surge, according to the NHC.
Forecasters said the storm would be near or over northwestern Bahamas Thursday night or Friday.
The hurricane center also said Joaquin could turn north or northwest Thursday night and Friday, and move along the US East Coast.
The Norfolk Naval Station, the United States' biggest naval base, was put on notice to be ready for the possibility of destructive winds.
Local NBC affiliate WAVY reported that ships were told to be prepared to get underway within 48 hours if necessary.
'Not the first'
Joaquin is the third hurricane of the 2015 Atlantic season, which began in June and ends in November.
But the most destructive weather pattern so far this year was Tropical Storm Erika, which killed around 30 people and caused extensive damage in August on the small Caribbean island of Dominica.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June and ends in November, usually sees its peak activity in September.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted a less active hurricane season than usual because of the El Nino phenomenon, which inhibits storm formation.
Forecasters earlier this year also noted the dampening effects of below-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic. Hurricane formation is associated with warmer waters.
AFP
Thu Oct 01 2015
Hurricane Joaquin gained strength Wednesday as it headed toward the Bahamas with powerful winds and torrential rain. - AFP Photo/NASA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.