Hurricane Joaquin has strengthened a little more, shifted west

Hurricane Joaquin has strengthened a little more as it heads toward the central Bahamas, and its maximum sustained winds are now 85 mph.

The storm is on a projected track to move near or over parts of the central Bahamas on Wednesday night and Thursday. The islands are bracing for strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding.

Joaquin became a hurricane earlier Wednesday. Forecasters say it could become a major hurricane with winds of at least 111 mph (179 kph) over the next couple of days.

In anticipation of Joaquin possibly impacting North Carolina, Wake Emergency Management is making a few precautionary preparations.

The department is checking generators at all shelter sites, making sure vehicles are fueled up with gas, and testing their radio communications system if activation is necessary.

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