Officials: Monitor Hurricane Joaquin as It Heads North

Joaquin, the storm that is hitting the Caribbean this morning, has officially become a hurricane and meteorologists and weather watchers are warning residents on the East Coast to monitor the storm’s trajectory.

“While there is still much uncertainty in its path, people along the U.S. East Coast should monitor the National Hurricane Center and local NWS forecast offices,” according to the National Weather Service, “as well as local media, for the latest updates and be sure to have a plan in place should Joaquin threaten their area.”

Reported wind speeds have reached 75 mph and the storm is traveling at about 6 mph. It could hit the region by Monday morning or afternoon, depending on the path of the storm.

New Hampshire’s emergency preparedness site – ReadyNH.gov – offers a number of tips on how to prepare for storms, flooding, and power outages. State officials suggest preparing a family emergency plan and taking steps to protect homes and businesses during the worst parts of the storm.

While full-blown hurricanes rarely hit New Hampshire, the remnants of the storms often bring death and destruction to the Granite State, including a deluge of rain, flooding issues, and power outages.

Three years ago, when the remnants of Hurricane Sandy hit New Hampshire, one person was killed. The weakened Hurricane Irene a year before caused water issues in southern parts of the state. Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Tropical Storm Irene also brought problems to the state in 2005.

• Sign up for news alerts from local New Hampshire Patch sites.