Hurricane Joaquin could impact the South Hills
Western Pennsylvanians are being urged watch for possible flooding during the next several days as Hurricane Joaquin makes its way up the East Coast.
The hurricane is 65 miles southeast of the Bahamas late Thursday morning and is expected to reach Category 4 intensity sometime today. Category 4 hurricanes can reach speeds of 130 to 156 mph.
Joaquin is expected to turn north Friday into Saturday and could hit the United States, making it the first hurricane landfall in more than a year.
Forecasters are saying weather on the East Coast will continue to be deluged with rain over the next several days and flash flooding, river flooding and high winds are very real possibilities.
There is a 20 percent chance of rain later tonight and none predicted for Friday. Wind gusts, however, are expected to reach 18 mph, according to weather.com.
By Saturday, however, Joaquin could make its presence felt in the area. Forecasters are calling for a 90 percent chance of rain that day. The rain is expected to taper off by Sunday and Monday with only a 20 percent chance both days.
With the rainy weather, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency said it’s important to know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. According to PEMA,a flood watch means flooding can occur. Residents should stay alert and keep an eye on nearby rivers and streams. A flood warning means flooding is taking place and move to higher ground.