Waves from Cat-4 Joaquín to pound Dominican Republic coast

Santo Domingo.- TheEmergency Operations Center (COE) on Thursday issued a high surf warning for theAtlantic Coast from Cabo Engaño, LaAltagracia (east) to Bahia Manzanillo, Montecristi province (northwest) asHurricane Joaquín reaches category 4.

In an emailedstatement, AccuWeather reports flooding from Hurricane Joaquin will impactareas from South Carolina to Massachusetts regardless of whether it makeslandfall or if the center stays out to sea.

“People should notlet their guard down due to a shifting track of the hurricane as the risk tolives and property in this complex situation remains high,” the service said.

AccuWeather said copiousamount of moisture will unload very heavy rainfall along parts of the AtlanticSeaboard and the Appalachians into early next week. Strong winds, coastalflooding and beach erosion will occur and could be very damaging even in theabsence of a landfall.

Hurricane Joaquinstrengthened rapidly Wednesday into Thursday. Joaquin reached Category 3 statuslate Wednesday evening and Category 4 status on Thursday afternoon.

The storm will bringpounding surf, dangerous seas, strong winds, drenching squalls and flashflooding to the central Bahamas. Wind gusts could reach between 75 and 100 mphon some of the islands.

As a result, Joaquinwill threaten lives and property in the Bahamas into Friday.

Bahamasair hascanceled flights for Thursday in parts of the islands.

Joaquin will turn tothe north this weekend.

Governors inVirginia, New Jersey and North Carolina have issued a State of Emergency. Otherstates may follow suit.