Authorities along the eastern US coast braced for the potential arrival of Hurricane Joaquin, which has strengthened to an “extremely dangerous” category four storm. Meteorological prediction models are divided about whether Joaquin will make landfall, but even the best case scenario is expected to result in heavy rains, high winds, and possible flooding.
Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey declared states of emergency, and authorities in other coastal states including South Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware made preparations for evacuations and other emergency measures. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (210 kph).
The hurricane is currently situated in the Bahamas, but is beginning to move north.
New Jersey governor Chris Christie noted that the traumatic memory of Hurricane Sandy may cause citizens to prepare for the worst.
“I’d say be prepared, but don’t panic,” Christie said.