The tenth named storm of the season, Hurricane Joaquin, is poised to hit the Central Bahamas sometime Thursday morning, before possibly progressing to the eastern coast of the U.S.

CNN reports that cyclone Joaquin has strengthened to a Category 1 Hurricane, and is expected to bring torrents of rainfall and powerful storm surges to the Bahamas. Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Central Bahamas, and a hurricane watch has been placed for the Northwest Bahamas as well.

The storm has been situated 215 miles east-northeast of the central islands, and is approaching southwest at 6 mph. Hurricane winds are currently clocked at 80 mph, which is just above the hurricane threshold, though forecasters fear it will get stronger.

10,000 Bahamian residents reside in Joaquin's path. The storm may bring 5 to 15 inches of rain over San Salvador and Rum Cay, with up to 5 inches expected for the rest of the central region. Storm surges may raise tides 2 to 4 feet above sea level. Large and dangerous waves can be expected along the coastline.

"Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Joaquin is expected to remain over the Bahamas through Friday, when it may turn north, with warm waters potentially strengthening it to a Category 3 hurricane.

Forecasters remain uncertain if or where it will strike the U.S. coastline.

"Confidence in the details of the track forecast late in the period remains low," the Hurricane Center said. "A wide range of outcomes is possible, from a direct impact of a major hurricane along the U.S. East Coast to a track of Joaquin out to sea away from the coast."

Joaquin could potentially strike the East Coast anywhere from North Carolina to Long Island. Regardless of where it ends up, it is likely that it will bring heavy rainfall to areas already drenched earlier in the week.