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Hurricane Joaquin Strengthens As It Treks Toward Northeast

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Hurricane Joaquin is on its way to the East Coast, possibly bringing rain, wind and the threat of flooding and other damage to Fairfield County, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the expected path of Hurricane Joaquin.

This is the expected path of Hurricane Joaquin.

Photo Credit: National Weather Service

Forecasters expect the storm to continue to strengthen near the Bahamas over 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 will most likely 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.

The five-day forecast calls for:

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

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

Friday through Saturday: Power outages possible with strong winds.

Sunday through Monday: Additional impacts possible from Hurricane Joaquin.

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