Maria still a Category 3, moves away from Bahamas
(WWBT) - Hurricane Maria remained a Category 3 storm on Friday morning with winds of 125 mph.
The storm is moving northwest at 9 mph.
As we head into the weekend, Maria will encounter less favorable atmospheric conditions along its journey. Upper-level wind shear increases plus Maria will be moving over cooler ocean waters. Slow weakening is expected through early next week.
The cone zone shifted slightly to the west on Friday and now includes far eastern North Carolina.
The core of the hurricane is expected to remain off the East Coast, but a track closer to the U.S. may bring some showers and wind to the coastal communities by next Tuesday and Wednesday.
The storm will produce big waves along the coast, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and the potential for coastal flooding.
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