Hurricane Joaquin Hammers Bahamas as It Heads North

— -- Hurricane Joaquin is hammering islands in central Bahamas with torrential rains as it makes its way northward, roaring on a path that could take it near the U.S. East Coast.

Forecasters say the Category 4 storm is likely to stay out in the Atlantic. The storm’s impact on the East Coast, which is already suffering flooding and heavy rains from separate storms, remains unclear.

Joaquin is drifting toward the northwest at about 3 mph, according to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center. Its winds exceed 130 mph.

A hurricane warning is in effect for sections of central and northwestern Bahamas, meaning hurricane conditions are expected. A hurricane watch is in effect for Bimini and Andros Island.

Up to 25 inches of rain are possible in some areas of the central Bahamas, according to thw NWS. The storm could also bring flash flooding and storm swells.

While Joaquin isn’t expected to make landfall in the United States, precautions remain underway, and some states have issued emergency declarations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ABC News will be running a live radar tracker throughout the day, seen below: