The East Coast Prepares, Hurricane Joaquin Now Category 3
The Northeast continues to experience heavy rain, and all eyes are turning to Category 3 Hurricane Joaquin as the next big rainmaker for much of the East Coast. It is expected to turn into a Category 4 storm some time on Thursday.
There is plenty of time, but the latest information coming in from the National Hurricane Center, shows Joaquin could ramp up to a category three hurricane before weakening as it nears the North Carolina and Virginia coasts.
State of Emergency Declared
Virginia declares a State of Emergency due to possible heavy rain:
On call w/ VA local officials, Gov declares state of emergency re: major statewide rain event Thurs-Fri & potential hurricane this weekend.
— Terry McAuliffe (@GovernorVA) September 30, 2015
Either way you look at it, the rain could be the biggest problem for millions on the East Coast as these are areas that have already seen a lot of rain during the week.
Navy Sets Sortie Condition Charlie
All Navy ships in Hampton Roads have been ordered to Sortie Condition Charlie due to Hurricane Joaquin.
The order was issued Wednesday as precaution due to the hurricane’s possible approach to the area this weekend. Sortie Condition Charlie means all ships must be prepared to get underway within 48 hours if deemed necessary.
Navy officials also ordered all installations in the area to set Tropical Cyclone Condition Four, meaning the trend indicates possible destructive winds within 72 hours. The hurricane is expected to bring high winds and rain to the Mid-Atlantic coast.
For WeatherNation: Meterioligist, Mike Witcher