RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As of 5 a.m., Hurricane Joaquin is a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph.
We expect additional strengthening during today and tonight and it could easily become a Category 4 storm. The newest official National Hurricane Center Track is following the forecast of the GFS model, which now keep Joaquin off of the Virginia coast and up toward Long Island, NY. If this track does hold to be correct or continues to move east Virginia will be in the clear from this storm.
A cold front that pushed into the region last night will be the focal point of our weather forecast into and through the weekend. It is this front that MIGHT block Joaquin from coming into central Virginia. Light rain will be over the region today as a that cold front is stalled right over southeastern Virginia. This front will stay put for the next 2 to 3 days, kicking up on any moisture in the air. It will be much cooler today with the light rain as highs only climb into the lower and middle 60s. More light rain is likely tonight with lows in the middle 50s.
Friday will be cloudy with light to steady rain throughout the day and highs in the lower 60s.
Then as we head into Saturday more rain is likely as our cold front interacts with tropical moisture way out ahead of Joaquin.
The issue for Sunday into Monday is the track of Joaquin. If the eastern track is right, then the rain for Sunday into Monday morning will be light showers turning to sunshine by Monday afternoon.
Stay with 8News for the latest on your StormTracker forecast.
