Joaquin Strengthens Into Category 3 Hurricane

MIAMI (AP) — Joaquin has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic, where much of the Bahamas is under hurricane watches or warnings.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Joaquin was centered about 90 miles (145 kms) east of San Salvador and about 170 miles (275 kms) east of the Central Bahamas late Wednesday. The hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and was moving southwest at 6 mph (9kph).

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Central Bahamas, including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador; and the Northwestern Bahamas, including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence. A Hurricane watch is in effect for Bimini and Andros Island.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)