UPDATE: Joaquin Now Major Hurricane, Headed up the East Coast

Joaquin reached Category 3 status late Wednesday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The storm, named Joaquin, was registering maximum wind speeds of up to 115 mph by 11 p.m. and still strengthening. It is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 storm sometime late Thursday or Thursday night.

The National Weather Service’s most recent bulletin urges people to follow the news closely to be prepared.

• Hazardous Weather Outlook

The most likely scenario is for Joaquin to be guided westward this weekend with possible landfall between North Carolina and southern New Jersey on Sunday, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

A graphic of the hurricane’s projected path, which is being updated constantly by the NHC, predicts that the storm could make its way to the New York City area by Sunday or Monday.

Slate’s weather reporter writes that Joaquin is strengthening “faster than even the most aggressive weather models had shown.”

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday urged New Yorkers to be prepared:

• Know your weather terms – A flash flood “watch” indicates flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area. When a watch is issued, be alert and ready to take action. A flash flood “warning” means flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent. You should take necessary precautions and actions at once.
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water, to last for more than 72 hours or three days.
• Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact” and make sure all family members know that number.
• Designate a family emergency meeting point – a familiar location where the family can meet in case the home is inaccessible.
• Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called, including schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.
• Know the hurricane / storm risks in your area, including storm surge history.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.
• Start thinking about where to relocate your pets during a storm.
• Stock up on prescribed medicines and prepare supplies for persons with special needs such as children, the elderly, and infirm.
• Check on neighbors to ensure they are aware of the potential danger and what they need to do to prepare for the storm.

“Our state has seen the damage that extreme weather can cause time and time again – and I am urging New Yorkers take precautions for more heavy storms in the coming days,” Cuomo said in a prepared statement. “Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene proved that you do not have to be near the coast to be impacted by Mother Nature. I have directed State agencies to ready their emergency response equipment in partnership with local governments, and I encourage all of our state’s residents to be prepared and stay safe.”

MAP: AccuWeather.com

Patch Editor Simone Wilson contributed to this report.