Hurricane Joaquin tracks away from U.S. East Coast

MIAMI, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Hurricane Joaquin, still a strong Category 4 storm, appears to be moving away from the U.S. East Coast, possibly passing close to New England and Cape Cod but not making landfall.

The National Weather Service said the storm is still packing 130 mph winds and will continue to batter the Bahamas in the next 24 hours before shifting north, possibly taking a path near Bermuda, New England and Nova Scotia.

Hurricane-force winds extend about 50 miles from the center of the storm. As it moves away from the Bahamas, the storm is expected to pick up speed but diminish in wind strength as it moves over cooler waters. A tropical storm warning could be posted in Bermuda on Friday.

Even if the storm stays off shore, it will produce strong winds with a chance of coastal flooding along the already-saturated mid-Atlantic and northern states through the weekend.

"In addition, very heavy rains, not associated with Joaquin, are expected to produce flooding over portions of the Atlantic coastal states," forecasters said.

The Bahamas have been hard hit by the storm with heavy damages and flooding. Late Thursday, all schools across the island chain were closed "until further notice." There have been no reports of injuries.

"As this is a big system, even though islands may not be in the direct path, the outer bands place the majority of our islands under a hurricane warning, We advise all residents to take necessary precautions and to remember that protection of life is more important that the protection of things," the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said.