Hurricane Joaquin has intensified to a category 4 storm over the Bahamas. With wind speeds as high as 130mph, Joaquin has caused widespread flooding across the Caribbean nation. Forecasts predict the storm’s likeliest path will run east of the U.S. mainland.

In the instance that Joaquin veers west toward New England, meteorologists predict it would likely be downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm.  Even so, such a trajectory could cause massive damage across much of the eastern seaboard, with some areas between Georgia and New Jersey receiving as much as 15 inches of rain.

Direct Relief has three partners stocked with Hurricane Prep Packs in the forecasted path and staff are in contact with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

The Direct Relief Emergency Response team will closely monitor the hurricane as it develops further.