Hurricane Joaquin Traveling Northeast, Tracking Offshore

By Liz Taurasi/Patch

Forecasters say the latest models for Hurricane Joaquin, still at a Category 4, show it tracking further offshore.

While a direct hit anywhere along the East Coast is unlikely at this point, we will be feeling the effects of it here in New England, especially in communities along the Atlantic even if the storm is further offshore.

The storm has shifted more east. The National Weather Service says it’s becoming more likely with time the track will continue to be shifted farther east and the National Hurricane Center says Friday night and Saturday we could see the storm move toward the north or northeast.

While the threat of direct impacts on the East Coast from the Carolinas to mid-Atlantic states is decreasing, the National Hurricane Center says there’s still uncertainty as to how close the storm could come to southeastern New England and Cape Cod over the next several days.

The National Weather Service has also issued a flooding warning for coastal Rockingham County communities this afternoon due to astronomical high tides, seven to 10 foot waves, and wind gusts, so expect splash-over along the seacoast this afternoon.

Residents living in those areas should continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Joaquin.

Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon of WCVB-TV, Channel 5 in Boston said Friday morning the storm is going to continue to move north and east over the weekend. She says by the time it’s close to the coastline sometime Monday night the storm will be a good distance offshore.

However Joaquin tracks, expect strong onshore winds with minor to moderate coastal flooding throughout the weekend. In addition, very heavy rains not associated with Joaquin are expected to produce some flooding.

Wind and coastal advisories are up from Cape Cod up through New Hampshire (see image above for map of area impacted).

Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, on Thursday afternoon, issued a release requesting that residents take precautions.

“As Hurricane Joaquin continues to move north toward New Hampshire, state emergency management officials are working with utilities and local communities to make preparations and take every precaution to support local communities,” she said. “There is still significant uncertainty around the exact track of the hurricane and its potential impact in New Hampshire, but we continue to closely monitor the storm and stand ready to activate the State Emergency Operations Center as necessary. In the meantime, I encourage all Granite Staters to plan ahead, stock up on food, water and other supplies, and exercise the common sense that Granite Staters are known for.”