Hurricane Joaquin Strengthens As It Treks Toward Northeast

PASSAIC COUNTY, N.J. — Hurricane Joaquin is on its way to the East Coast, possibly bringing rain, wind and the threat of flooding and other damage to Passaic County, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the expected path of Hurricane Joaquin.
Photo Credit: *National Weather Service*

Robert Mikulak

10/01/2015 10:00 a.m.

Forecasters expect the storm to continue to strengthen near the Bahamas the next few days before turning northward along the Eastern Seaboard. The National Weather Service says it expects Joaquin to achieve Category 3 strength.

The storm most likely will head westward this weekend and make landfall Sunday somewhere between North Carolina and southern New Jersey, the National Weather Service said.

The location of the landfall will determine which areas will experience the most damage from wind and flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the five-day forecast::

Through Thursday: Periods of rain with minor coastal flooding and increasing northeast winds of 20-30 mph.

Thursday night through Saturday: Periods of heavy rain with flooding possible. Widespread moderate tidal flooding possible starting Friday. Northeast winds 25-35 mph with gusts 40-50 mph.

Friday through Saturday: Power outages possible.

Sunday through Monday: Additional impacts possible from Hurricane Joaquin.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Paterson and receive free news updates.