UPDATE (11:00 p.m.) -- The strengthening of Joaquin continued late Wednesday night, with the hurricane reaching highest sustained wind speeds of 115 mph, making it a major Category 3 hurricane. The fundamental forecast track hasn't shifted much, with a sharp north turn expected by Friday morning. The increased intensity of Joaquin may increase the chances for more than just a minimal hurricane having direct impacts on parts of the U.S. mid-Atlantic and/or Northeastern coastlines.
MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- While in a mode of intensification near the Bahamas, Hurricane Joaquin's future path remains highly in question. However, locations along the United States mid-Atlantic and Northeastern shores are prone to direct impacts.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the storm was about 285 miles from the central Bahamas. Its peak winds are now 85 mph.
Joaquin was moving to the southwest at 8 mph.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas. No tropical-related advisories are issued for any parts of the United States.
Steering winds are generally light, causing the hurricane to continue to drift southwestward in the near-term future. Upper-level winds are also light enough to allow the storm to strengthen at a considerable rate, aided by very warm ocean water temperatures.
A cold front over the Southeastern U.S. will force Joaquin to move sharply to the north, avoiding the Florida and Georgia coastlines.
By the weekend, Joaquin will parallel the central part of the U.S. east coast. A high-pressure system to the north of Joaquin may trigger a turn to the northwest, which would direct the hurricane toward the coast somewhere near the Carolinas or as far north as the Jersey Shore and beyond. Other forecast data sources suggest the storm remaining offshore.
Joaquin should reach peak intensity while offshore, then, if it does approach land, a weakening phase would likely occur before landfall.