Hurricane Joaquin Tracking Further Offshore, Traveling Northeast

Forecasters say the latest models for Hurricane Joaquin, still at a Category 4, show it tracking further offshore.

While a direct hit to Massachusetts or anywhere along the East Coast is unlikely at this point, we will be feeling the effects of it here in Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod even if the storm is further offshore.

The storm has shifted more east. The National Weather Service says it’s becoming more likely with time the track will continue to be shifted farther east and the National Hurricane Center says Friday night and Saturday we could see the storm move toward the north or northeast.

While the threat of direct impacts on the East Coast from the Carolinas to mid-Atlantic states is decreasing, the National Hurricane Center says there’s still uncertainty as to how close the storm could come to southeastern New England and Cape Cod over the next several days.

Residents living in those areas should continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Joaquin.

Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon of WCVB-TV, Channel 5 in Boston said Friday morning the storm is going to continue to move north and east over the weekend. She says by the time it’s close to the Massachusetts’ coastline sometime Monday night the storm will be a good distance offshore.

However Joaquin tracks, expect strong onshore winds with minor to moderate coastal flooding throughout the weekend. In addition, very heavy rains not associated with Joaquin are expected to produce some flooding.

Wind and coastal advisories are up from Cape Cod up through New Hampshire (see image above for map of area impacted).

Here’s what to expect Friday:

• Coastal Flooding: Another day of minor coastal flooding or splashover Friday afternoon along portions of the east coast of MA. Coastal Flood Advisories have been issued.

• Strong Winds: Expect strong winds across Cape Cod and the islands, Starting on Nantucket early Friday morning, and starting Friday afternoon for Cape Cod, the Vineyard and Nantucket.