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{{Short description|Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
<!--- Do not use the {{CONVERT}} template for hurricanes - the NHC uses specific, rounded values, as the original units are in knots. {{CONVERT}} doesn't reproduce the rounded values properly --->
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Joaquin 2015-10-03 1437Z.png
| caption = Hurricane Joaquin at peak intensity to the northeast of [[The Bahamas]] on October&nbsp;3
| formed = September 28, 2015
| extratropical = October 8, 2015
| dissipated = October 15, 2015
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 135
| pressure = 931
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2015
| fatalities = 34 direct
| damage = 200000000
| areas = [[Lucayan Archipelago]] (especially [[The Bahamas]]), [[Cuba]], [[Haiti]], [[Southeastern United States]] (especially [[Florida]] and [[The Carolinas]]), [[Bermuda]], [[Azores]], [[Iberian Peninsula]], [[Morocco]]
| refs = 
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[2015 Atlantic hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Joaquin''' ({{IPAc-en|hw|ɑː|ˈ|k|iː|n}} {{respell|hwah|KEEN}}; {{langx|es|Huracán Joaquín}} {{IPA|es|uɾaˈkaŋ xoaˈkin|}})<ref>{{cite web|year=2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|publisher=National Hurricane Center|title=Atlantic Basin Storm Name Pronunciations: 2015–2020|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/aboutnames_pronounce_atlc.pdf|location=Miami, Florida |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220053826/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/aboutnames_pronounce_atlc.pdf |archive-date=December 20, 2015 }}</ref> was a powerful [[tropical cyclone]] that devastated several districts of [[The Bahamas]] and caused damage in the [[Turks and Caicos Islands]], parts of the [[Greater Antilles]], and [[Bermuda]]. It was also the strongest Atlantic hurricane of non-tropical origin recorded in the satellite era.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNoldy|first1=Brian|title=Hurricane season remains a quiet one, despite Joaquin's alarming adventure|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/10/12/hurricane-season-remains-a-quiet-one-despite-joaquins-alarming-adventure/|access-date=October 12, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post|date=October 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="TC Joaquin Report" /> The tenth [[Tropical cyclone naming|named storm]], third hurricane, and second [[major hurricane]] of the [[2015 Atlantic hurricane season]], Joaquin evolved from a [[Cold-core low|non-tropical low]] to become a [[tropical depression]] on September 28, well southwest of Bermuda. Tempered by unfavorable [[wind shear]], the depression drifted southwestward. After becoming a tropical storm the next day, Joaquin underwent [[rapid intensification]], reaching hurricane status on September 30 and [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale#Category 4|Category 4 major hurricane]] strength on October 1. Meandering over the southern Bahamas, Joaquin's [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] passed near or over several islands. On October 3, the hurricane weakened somewhat and accelerated to the northeast. Abrupt re-intensification ensued later that day, and Joaquin acquired [[maximum sustained wind|sustained winds]] of 155&nbsp;mph (250&nbsp;km/h), just short of Category 5 strength.

[[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|Hurricane warnings]] were hoisted across most of The Bahamas as the hurricane threatened the country. Battering the nation's southern islands for over two days, Joaquin caused extensive devastation, most notably on [[Acklins]], [[Crooked Island, Bahamas|Crooked Island]], [[Long Island, Bahamas|Long Island]], [[Rum Cay]], and [[San Salvador Island]]. Severe [[storm surge]] inundated many communities, trapping hundreds of people in their homes; flooding persisted for days after the hurricane's departure. Prolonged, intense winds brought down trees and powerlines, and unroofed homes throughout the affected region. As airstrips were submerged and heavily damaged, relief workers were limited in their ability to quickly help residents affected by Joaquin, one of the strongest storms on record to affect the nation. Offshore, the American cargo ship [[SS El Faro|''El Faro'']] and her 33 members were lost to the hurricane.
 
[[Coastal flooding]] also impacted the nearby Turks and Caicos, washing out roadways, compromising seawalls, and damaging homes. Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused some property damage in eastern [[Cuba]]. One fisherman died when heavy seas capsized a small boat along the coast of [[Haiti]]. Storm tides resulted in severe flooding in several [[departments of Haiti]], forcing families from their homes and destroying crops. The weakening hurricane passed just west of [[Bermuda]] on October 4, attended by strong winds that cut power to 15,000 electric subscribers but caused only minor damage otherwise. After passing near Bermuda, Joaquin ultimately curved northeastward and accelerated, weakening further and becoming extratropical as it entered colder waters. After dissipating, its remnants traveled eastward, reaching Portugal before being absorbed by a frontal system.

Collectively, Joaquin killed 34 people and caused US$200&nbsp;million in damage.<ref name="reliefweb" /><ref name="TCP38" /> With all 34 deaths attributed to the storm occurring at sea, Joaquin has the highest offshore death toll for any Atlantic hurricane since the [[1959 Escuminac disaster|Escuminac hurricane]] in [[1959 Atlantic hurricane season|1959]], which killed 35 people in the [[Northumberland Strait]].<ref name="Deadliest Atlantic Hurricanes 1492–1996">{{cite web|last1=Haff|first1=Sally|last2=Britter|first2=Robert|last3=Jarvinen|first3=Brian|title=The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492-1996|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadlyapp1.shtml?|website=National Hurricane Center|access-date=November 6, 2016}}</ref>

Although Joaquin never directly affected the United States, another large storm system over the [[Southeast United States|southeastern states]] drew tremendous moisture from the hurricane, resulting in [[October 2015 North American storm complex|catastrophic flooding]] in [[South Carolina]].

== Meteorological history ==
{{Storm path|Joaquin 2015 path.png|left|colors=new}}
On September 25, 2015, the US [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) began monitoring an [[Cold-core low|upper-level low]], accompanied by a surface [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]], several hundred miles south-southwest of [[Bermuda]] for possible [[tropical cyclogenesis]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 25, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201509252338.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system gradually consolidated as it drifted north-northwest, acquiring a closed [[Low-pressure area|surface low]] late on September 26.<ref>{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 26, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201509262331.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> [[Atmospheric convection|Convective]] showers and [[thunderstorm]]s steadily increased on September 27, and at 03:00&nbsp;[[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on September 28 the NHC assessed the system to have become a [[tropical depression]], situated roughly 405&nbsp;mi (650&nbsp;km) southwest of Bermuda.<ref>{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 27, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2015/TWOAT.201509272336.txt|format=.TXT|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D1">{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Eleven Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.001.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Eleven Advisory Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.001.shtml|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Although the depression featured a well-defined low, strong [[wind shear]] displaced convection and exposed the circulation. A [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to the north was forecast to steer the system slowly northwest into a region of higher shear; meteorologists at the NHC initially depicted the system dissipating within 96&nbsp;hours based on [[Numerical weather prediction|modeling depictions]].<ref name="D1"/> Convection developed and persisted closer to the circulation centre throughout September 28,<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Eleven Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.003.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> and early on September 29, [[Dvorak technique|Dvorak satellite classifications]] indicated the system became a tropical storm. Accordingly, it was [[Tropical cyclone naming|assigned the name]] ''Joaquin'', becoming the tenth named storm of the season.<ref name="D5">{{cite report|author=John P. Cangialosi|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.005.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=John P. Cangialosi|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Advisory Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.005.shtml|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref>

[[File:Joaquin 2015-10-02 1530Z.jpg|thumb|right|Hurricane Joaquin meandering around the Bahamas on October 2]]
Strengthening of the mid-level ridge prompted a sudden shift in Joaquin's trajectory to the southwest, directing it towards [[the Bahamas]].<ref name="D5"/><ref>{{cite report|author1=Richard J. Pasch |author2=James C. Hayes |publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Eleven Discussion Number 4|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.004.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Forecasters at the NHC noted considerable uncertainty in the future of Joaquin, with forecast models depicting a wide range of possibilities.<ref>{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 6|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.006.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Throughout September 29, the storm steadily intensified as its circulation became embedded within deep convection and upper-level [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] became increasingly prominent.<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|date=September 29, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 8|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2015|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.008.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> High [[sea surface temperature]]s and decreasing shear aided strengthening, and early on September 30, the storm achieved [[SSHS|hurricane status]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|date=September 30, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 9|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2015|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.009.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=September 28, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Public Advisory Number 10-A|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=September 30, 2015|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public_a.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida|type=Advisory}}</ref> [[Rapid intensification]] ensued thereafter, with an [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] developing within a symmetric [[central dense overcast]]. Data from aircraft reconnaissance indicated that Joaquin reached [[Category 3 hurricane|Category&nbsp;3]] status on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] by 03:00&nbsp;UTC on October 1.<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.013.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Around 12:00&nbsp;UTC the eye of Joaquin passed over [[Samana Cay]], Bahamas, with winds of 130&nbsp;mph (215&nbsp;km/h), making it a [[Category 4 hurricane|Category&nbsp;4]] hurricane.<ref name="TC Joaquin Report">{{cite web |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |date=2016-01-12 |title=Hurricane Joaquin Tropical Cyclone Report |url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL112015_Joaquin}} |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Around this same time, its eye contracted from {{convert|41|to|27|mi|km|abbr=on}} in diameter, representing significant intensification.<ref>{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author1=Jeff Masters |author2=Bob Henson |publisher=Weather Underground|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Category 4 Joaquin Pounds the Bahamas; a U.S. Landfall Unlikely|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/comment.html?entrynum=3136}}</ref> At this time Joaquin was located just 15&nbsp;mi (25&nbsp;km) northwest of [[Crooked Island, Bahamas|Crooked Island]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida|type=Advisory}}</ref> The storm's [[barometric pressure|central pressure]] bottomed out at 931 [[mbar]] (hPa; {{convert|931|mbar|inHg|lk=on|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}) around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October 2.<ref name="16a">{{cite report|author1=Daniel P. Brown |author2=Stacy R. Stewart |publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 16A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public_a.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref>

As the ridge previously steering Joaquin southwest began retreating north, the hurricane's movement slowed and shifted west, and later north, early on October 2.<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.017.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D19"/> An [[eyewall replacement cycle]]—a process whereby a second, larger eye develops while the inner eye collapses—began that morning;<ref name="D18">{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.018.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> its eye became increasingly ill-defined in satellite imagery.<ref name="D19">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.019.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Slight weakening took place accordingly,<ref>{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 20|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.020.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> and the hurricane passed over [[Rum Cay]] and [[San Salvador Island]] around 16:00&nbsp;UTC and 21:00&nbsp;UTC with winds of 125&nbsp;mph (205&nbsp;km/h);<ref name="TC Joaquin Report"/> a pressure near 944 mbar (hPa; {{convert|944|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|disp=out}}) was observed on San Salvador Island.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 21|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.021.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> An amplifying trough over the [[Southeastern United States]] enhanced southwesterly flow over Joaquin on October 3 and prompted the hurricane to accelerate northeast away from the Bahamas.<ref>{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 22|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.022.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Throughout the day the storm's eye became increasingly defined and re-intensification ensued.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 23|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.023.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Aircraft reconnaissance found a considerably stronger system that afternoon; based on flight-level winds of {{convert|166|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, it is estimated that Joaquin attained surface winds of 155&nbsp;mph (250&nbsp;km/h)—a high-end Category&nbsp;4 hurricane—by 16:00&nbsp;UTC.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lixion A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Special Discussion Number 24|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.024.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> This made Joaquin the strongest Atlantic hurricane of non-tropical origin recorded in the [[Satellite#History|satellite era]].<ref name="TC Joaquin Report"/>

[[File:Joaquin boucle.gif|thumb|left|[[Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite|GOES]] animation of Hurricane Joaquin from September&nbsp;28 to October&nbsp;7]]
Shortly after peaking, the hurricane's overall structure began to deteriorate, signalling a weakening trend.<ref>{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 26|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.026.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> On October 4 the storm curved towards the north-northeast between a large low-pressure system to its west and a mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to its east.<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 27|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.027.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> As deep convection over its core continued to wane,<ref>{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 28|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.028.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Joaquin passed about {{convert|70|mi|km|abbr=on}} west-northwest of [[Bermuda]] near 00:00 UTC on October 5, with winds of 85&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="TC Joaquin Report"/> The weakening trend slowed that day as the storm's satellite presentation improved slightly, marked by brief reappearances of a distinct eye feature. Joaquin gradually turned northeastward around the periphery of the weak ridge, and subsequently accelerated toward the east-northeast as it entered the [[westerlies|prevailing westerlies]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 9, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Discussion Number 33|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.033.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system maintained hurricane intensity until 15:00 UTC on October 7, by which point strengthening wind shear and an increasingly colder environment began to take their toll.<ref>{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 9, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 40|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.040.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The cloud pattern became lopsided as colder, drier air infiltrated the circulation, forming the first stages of a [[weather front|frontal structure]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 9, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Discussion Number 41|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.discus.041.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> With its [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical transition]] well underway, Joaquin lost its identity as a tropical cyclone at 03:00 UTC on October 8, about {{convert|850|mi|km|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Cape Race|Cape Race, Newfoundland]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 8, 2015|title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Joaquin Advisory Number 42|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.042.shtml?|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> During the next several days, Joaquin's extratropical remnant continued heading eastward across the Atlantic, before reaching Portugal on October 10.<ref>[http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151010.gif Wetter map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208155446/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151010.gif |date=December 8, 2015 }} met.fu-berlin.de</ref> During the next 5 days, Joaquin's remnant slowly moved southward along the coast of Portugal, until the system was absorbed by another frontal system located east of Spain, on October 15.<ref>[http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151015.gif Wetter map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125059/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20151015.gif |date=December 8, 2015 }} met.fu-berlin.de</ref>

==Preparations==
[[Image:Hurricane Joaquin advisory 12 forecast track.gif|thumb|right|The NHC's five-day forecast track for Joaquin at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. EDT (21:00&nbsp;UTC) on September 30, depicting landfall over the United States]]
[[Tropical cyclone watches and warnings]] were posted throughout the Bahamas starting early on September 30 (UTC);<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Advisory Number 9|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.009.shtml|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> by October 1, hurricane warnings extended from [[Grand Bahama Island]] in the northwest to [[Mayaguana]] in the southeast.<ref name="PA15">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 15|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.015.shtml|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> As the storm moved away, the last advisories were discontinued by the morning of October 3.<ref>{{cite report|author=Lixon A. Avila|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 22A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public_a.022.shtml?|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> All schools on Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador, and Rum Cay closed on the afternoon of October 1 until further notice.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Update {{endash}} Immediate School Closure for Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador, and Rum Cay|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Update_-_Immediate_School_Closure_in_Some_Family_Islands44209.shtml}}</ref> [[Bahamasair]] cancelled multiple domestic flights,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Bahamasair cancels flights due to Hurricane Joaquin|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Bahamasair_cancels_flights_due_to_Hurricane_Joaquin44226.shtml}}</ref> and most airports throughout the island nation were closed, pending post-storm runway inspections.<ref>{{cite news|author=Department of Civil Aviation|title=Bahamas airport closures update – Friday 10pm|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Bahamas_airport_closures_update_-_Friday_10pm44296.shtml}}</ref> Several cruise ships scheduled to arrive at [[New Providence]] were diverted to other ports on October 2.<ref>{{cite news|author=Nico Scavella|title=All Cruise Ships Diverted Due To Hurricane Joaquin|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/all-cruise-ships-diverted-due-hurricane-joaquin/}}</ref> Residents on [[Mayaguana]] were advised to evacuate.<ref name="ABC1">{{cite news|author1=Ben Fox |author2=Tony Winton |author3=Ava Turnquest |agency=Associated Press|work=ABC News|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Gains Force Near Bahamas, Heads Toward US|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/hurricane-warning-issued-bahamas-joaquin-approaches-34143344}}</ref> The nation's [[Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|National Emergency Management Agency]] (NEMA) activated its Emergency Operations Center.<ref name="BPMpress"/> As conditions worsened, residents in southern islands of the Bahamas criticized the government for providing inadequate warning, with no emergency preparations taking place on Acklins. NEMA refuted the claim and stated people were given ample warning but many residents refused to evacuate. In some instances, police were called in to forcibly move people to shelters.<ref name="TribuneOct1"/>

In the [[Turks and Caicos Islands]] to the southeast of the Bahamas, the storm forced the closure of schools and government offices.<ref name="turks">{{cite news|title=Hurricane Joaquin Destroys Buildings, Unleashes Flooding Throughout Friday|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/hurricane-joaquin-destroys-buildings-unleashes-flo/|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004014414/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/hurricane-joaquin-destroys-buildings-unleashes-flo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two cruise ships were redirected from the island, and [[Providenciales International Airport]] suspended operations for a time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Joaquin Air Travel and Cruise Updates|date=October 2, 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/travel/hurricane-joaquin-air-travel-and-cruise-updates.html}}</ref> The islands were placed under a tropical storm warning on October 1.<ref name="PA15"/> On October 2 (UTC), tropical storm warnings were hoisted along coastal [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]], [[Las Tunas Province|Las Tunas]], [[Holguín Province|Holguín]], and [[Guantánamo Province|Guantánamo]] provinces in [[Cuba]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Joaquin Advisory Number 18A|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public_a.018.shtml|type=Advisory|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref>

On September 30, [[Governor of Virginia|Virginian governor]] [[Terry McAuliffe]] declared a [[state of emergency]] for the entire state owing to heavy rains, unrelated to the hurricane, and the threat of Joaquin.<ref>{{cite web|author=Darcy Spencer|work=[[WRC-TV]]|publisher=[[NBCUniversal]]|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin: Virginia Declares State of Emergency|url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Watching-Joaquin-Hurricane-Could-Threaten-East-Coast-330103561.html}}</ref> The [[Norfolk, Virginia|City of Norfolk]] also declared an emergency.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[WVEC]]|publisher=[[Tegna, Inc.]]|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Joaquin has been upgraded to a major category 3 hurricane.|url=http://www.13newsnow.com/story/weather/2015/09/29/tropical-storm-joaquin-forms-off-east-coast/73019316/|location=Norfolk, Virginia|archive-date=October 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003111842/http://www.13newsnow.com/story/weather/2015/09/29/tropical-storm-joaquin-forms-off-east-coast/73019316/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Governor of Connecticut|Connecticut Governor]] [[Dannel Malloy]] advised residents to be prepared for potential impacts from the hurricane,<ref>{{cite news|author=Jim McKeever|work=[[WTIC-TV]]|publisher=[[Tribune Media]]|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=State gives residents preparation tips for hurricanes as Joaquin nears|url=http://foxct.com/2015/09/30/state-reminds-residents-how-to-prepare-for-hurricanes/|location=Hartford, Connecticut|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001162251/http://foxct.com/2015/09/30/state-reminds-residents-how-to-prepare-for-hurricanes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as did [[Governor of New York|Governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] of New York.<ref>{{cite web|author=Governor's Office|title=Governor Cuomo Urges New Yorkers to be Prepared For Heavy Rains, Potential Tropical Storm Conditions and Flooding|date=September 30, 2015|publisher=State of New York|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-urges-new-yorkers-be-prepared-heavy-rains-potential-tropical-storm-conditions|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810200132/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-urges-new-yorkers-be-prepared-heavy-rains-potential-tropical-storm-conditions|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 1, Governors [[Larry Hogan]], [[Chris Christie]], [[Pat McCrory]], and [[Nikki Haley]] declared a state of emergency for Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina respectively.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[WPVI-TV]]|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company]]|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Christie Declares State of Emergency in New Jersey Ahead of Hurricane Joaquin|url=http://6abc.com/weather/christie-declares-state-of-emergency-in-nj-ahead-of-joaquin/1011405/|location=Trenton, New Jersey}}
*{{cite news|work=[[WMAR-TV]]|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company]]|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Md. declares state of emergency in 'abundance of caution' ahead of Hurricane Joaquin|url=http://www.abc2news.com/news/breaking-news/gov-hogan-to-declare-state-of-emergency-for-maryland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002082249/http://www.abc2news.com/news/breaking-news/gov-hogan-to-declare-state-of-emergency-for-maryland|archive-date=October 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}
*{{cite news|author1=Joe Marusak|author2=Cleve R. Wooston Jr.|author3=David Perlmutt|newspaper=Charlotte Observer|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=McCrory declares state of emergency for N.C. as Joaquin continues to intensify|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article37171893.html}}
*{{cite news|work=[[WHNS]]|publisher=[[Meredith Corporation]]|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Gov. Haley declares state of emergency for South Carolina|url=http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/30167075/gov-haley-declares-state-of-emergency-for-south-carolina|location=Columbia, South Carolina|archive-date=October 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003165728/http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/30167075/gov-haley-declares-state-of-emergency-for-south-carolina|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ocracoke Island]], North Carolina, was placed under a mandatory evacuation at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. EDT (19:00&nbsp;UTC).<ref>{{cite news|work=[[WNCT-TV]]|publisher=[[Media General]]|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Mandatory evacuation declared for Ocracoke Island|url=http://wnct.com/2015/10/01/mandatory-evacuation-declared-for-ocracoke-island/|location=Sqan Quarter, North Carolina|archive-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002071414/http://wnct.com/2015/10/01/mandatory-evacuation-declared-for-ocracoke-island/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In New Jersey, the state of emergency caused the annual [[Bike MS: City to Shore Ride]] to be canceled for the first time in its 35-year history.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Press of Atlantic City|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Bike MS: City to Shore cancelled|author=Andrew Albert|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/bike-ms-city-to-shore-cancelled/article_c208c76a-6863-11e5-a6de-43a5acfa1c72.html}}</ref>

On the afternoon of October 2, a tropical storm watch was issued for [[Bermuda]],<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=October 2, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 20|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 2, 2014|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.020.shtml?}}</ref> and a hurricane warning was in effect late on October 3.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jack L. Beven|date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Advisory Number 26|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 3, 2014|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/al11/al112015.public.026.shtml?}}</ref> As a precaution, [[The Royal Bermuda Regiment|Royal Bermuda Regiment]] soldiers were placed on standby, and some emergency equipment was stationed on the east end of [[The Causeway, Bermuda|the Causeway]] to prepare for the possibility of the road becoming impassable;<ref>{{cite news|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=Bernews|access-date=October 2, 2015|title=Regiment Soldiers On Alert For Hurricane|url=http://bernews.com/2015/10/regiment-soldiers-alert-hurricane-joaquin/}}</ref> officials ultimately closed the Causeway late on October 4, near the height of the storm, and partially reopened it the next morning.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lisa Simpson|title=Causeway to close|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151004/NEWS/151009853}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathon Bell|title=Causeway open, gas station break-in|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151005/NEWS/151009841}}</ref> By October 3, two cruise ships had canceled their scheduled stops to Bermuda.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cruises Cancelled Due To Hurricane Joaquin|date=October 3, 2015|newspaper=Bernews|access-date=October 3, 2015|url=http://bernews.com/2015/10/cruises-cancelled-due-hurricane-joaquin/}}</ref> Most commercial flights to and from the island on October 4 were canceled, and [[L.F. Wade International Airport]] suspended all operations that afternoon. Public and private schools were scheduled to close on October 5, though one institution was prepared for use as an emergency shelter. The approaching hurricane halted ferry and bus services.<ref>{{cite news|title=Live Updates: Hurricane Joaquin Approaches|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=Bernews|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://bernews.com/2015/10/live-updates-hurricane-joaquin/}}</ref>

==Impact and aftermath==

===Bahamas===
[[Image:Joaquin 2015 Bahamas track.png|thumb|Enlarged and annotated track of Joaquin from September 29&nbsp;– October 3 depicting its path through the Bahamas]]
Large [[Swell (ocean)|swells]] ahead of the storm's arrival in the [[Bahamas]] washed out a main road on [[San Salvador Island]].<ref name="ABC1"/> Widespread power outages affected several islands as the hurricane closed in.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bahamas Telecommunications Company|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=BTC Updates on Hurricane Joaquin|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/BTC_Updates_on_Hurricane_Joaquin44230.shtml}}</ref> Reports of flooding and people in need of assistance were received from [[Acklins]], [[Crooked Island, Bahamas|Crooked Island]], [[Exuma]], and [[Long Island, Bahamas|Long Island]].<ref name="BPMpress">{{cite news|publisher=The Bahamas Weekly|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Prime Minister Christie to Address The Nation with NEMA at Press Briefing Today|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Prime_Minister_Christie_to_Address_The_Nation_with_NEMA_at_Press_Briefing_Today44235.shtml}}</ref> Power and communication failures plagued the nation's southeastern islands, leaving several islands effectively isolated in the immediate aftermath of Joaquin.<ref>{{cite news|title=Communication With Storm-Hit Islands A Challenge|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/communication-storm-hit-islands-challenge/?weather}}</ref> The hurricane took all 59 of [[BTC (Bahamas)|BTC]]'s [[cell site]]s offline, most of them being returned to service within two weeks.<ref name="followup"/> By October 21, the [[Bahamas Electricity Corporation]] had remedied about 80% of its power outages, aided by crews from New Providence and the Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities group.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sancheska Brown|title=Bec Restores Power To 80% Of Affected Homes|date=October 22, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 24, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/22/bec-restores-power-80-affected-homes/?news}}</ref> Early aerial surveys revealed that Acklins, Rum Cay, Crooked Island, and San Salvador Island were "completely devastated".<ref name="updates">{{cite news|title=Hurricane Joaquin Updates: Multiple Deaths Confirmed, Southern Family Islands "Completely Devastated"|date=October 3, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 3, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/03/joaquin-becomes-tenth-named-tropical-storm-atlanti/|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004144027/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/03/joaquin-becomes-tenth-named-tropical-storm-atlanti/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Throughout the archipelago, flooding from the hurricane trapped over 500&nbsp;residents.<ref name=TWCBahamas />

Floodwaters up to {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}} deep submerged at least 70% of nearby Crooked Island, where the storm left widespread structural damage.<ref name="cdema"/> The hurricane "completely destroyed" a Bahamas Electricity Corporation power plant, where two large diesel tanks were shifted off their bases, allowing more than 10,000 gallons of fuel to leak into the ground.<ref>{{cite news|title=10,000 Gallons Of Fuel Feared Spilled In Crooked Island|date=October 26, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 26, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/26/10000-gallons-fuel-feared-spilled-crooked-island/}}</ref> In the days following the storm, about 100 evacuees—including 46 from Crooked Island—were flown to New Providence, where several of them sought medical attention.<ref>{{cite news|author=Khrisna Virgil|title=46 Evacuated From Crooked Island|date=October 6, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 6, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/06/evacuation-ordered-crooked-island/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Nico Scavella|date=October 9, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|title=Nearly 100 Evacuated From Hurricane-Hit Islands This Week|access-date=October 24, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/09/nearly-100-evacuated-hurricane-hit-islands-week/}}</ref> On Long Island and Crooked Island, septic tank seepage contaminated residential wells, leaving residents without clean drinking water. Both areas still had extensive standing water on October 7.<ref name="cdema2"/> Acklins endured severe flooding, with many homes inundated and numerous calls for rescue; the island's sea barrier was breached by 9:00&nbsp;a.m. local time. Some residents reported the entire island to be under water.<ref name="TribuneOct1">{{cite news|author=Sancheska Brown|newspaper=The Tribune|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2015|title=Rising Floodwaters Trap Residents In Southern Bahamas Islands|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/01/rising-floodwaters-trap-residents-southern-bahamas/|archive-date=October 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001215811/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/01/rising-floodwaters-trap-residents-southern-bahamas/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A bridge in [[Lovely Bay, Bahamas|Lovely Bay]] was completely destroyed.<ref name="cdema">{{cite web|title=Hurricane Joaquin - Situation Report #4 as of 8:00 pm on October 4th, 2015|date=October 4, 2015|publisher=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.cdema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1517:hurricane-joaquin-situation-report-3-as-of-800-pm-on-october-4th-2015&catid=39:situation-reports&Itemid=347}}</ref>
[[Image:Joaquin WV 20151002 1645 UTC.gif|thumb|left|[[Water vapor]] loop of Joaquin passing through the Bahamas on October&nbsp;2]]

Long Island was subject to an immense {{convert|18|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[storm surge]] that flooded homes with up to {{convert|12|ft|m|abbr=on}} of water.<ref name="cdema2"/><ref name="oct15">{{cite news|author=Sancheska Brown|title=Fishing And Farming Industries Are 'Completely Devastated'|date=October 15, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 15, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/15/fishing-and-farming-industries-are-completely-deva/}}</ref> Southern areas of the island suffered considerable devastation; the surge washed out coastal roadways and drove numerous fishing boats ashore.<ref name="turner">{{cite news|title=Loretta Butler-Turner on Long Island post-hurricane Joaquin|date=October 3, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Loretta_Butler-Turner_on_Long_Island44310.shtml}}</ref> The district's [[Politics of the Bahamas|Member of Parliament]], Loretta Butler-Turner, estimated that 75% of all fishing vessels there were destroyed. This, combined with heavy losses to farms and crops, threatened the livelihoods of many residents.<ref name="oct15"/> About 20 individuals required rescue on Long Island, while some hurricane shelters became compromised by water entrance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Long Islanders Tell Of 'The Worst Storm They Have Ever Seen'|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 2, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/long-islanders-tell-worst-storm-they-have-ever-see/|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004031509/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/long-islanders-tell-worst-storm-they-have-ever-see/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The bodies of dead animals were seen floating in the water.<ref name="TribuneDeaths1">{{cite news|newspaper=The Tribune|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Appeal For Emergency Long Island Supplies For Early Sunday Morning|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/03/appeal-emergency-long-island-supplies-early-sunday/}}</ref> Strong winds unroofed dozens of homes,<ref name=TWCBahamas>{{cite news|url=http://www.weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/hurricane-joaquin-bahamas-impacts|title=Hurricane Joaquin's Bahamas Impacts: More Than 500 Residents Trapped in Their Homes, Excessive Power Outages|work=The Weather Channel|agency=Associated Press|author=Sean Breslin|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> and many structures were fully destroyed.<ref name="nemaoct2"/> Northern parts of the island fared better in comparison.<ref name="cdema2">{{cite web|title=Hurricane Joaquin - Situation Report #5 as of 6:00 pm on October 7th, 2015|date=October 7, 2015|publisher=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|access-date=October 8, 2015|url=http://www.cdema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1521:hurricane-joaquin-situation-report-5-as-of-600-pm-on-october-7th-2015&catid=39:situation-reports&Itemid=347}}</ref> The winds and flooding took a large toll on native vegetation, even well inland.<ref name="cdema2"/>

Powerful winds brought down trees and utility poles on Rum Cay, clogging roadways.<ref name="nemaoct2">{{cite web|author=National Emergency Management Agency|title=NEMA Update: Bahamas Islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/forecast-from-around-the-islands/Update_from_Islands_Affected_by_Hurricane_Joaquin44295.shtml|access-date=October 2, 2015}}</ref> A number of homes were damaged or destroyed in the district; two grocery stores and a municipal dock also sustained damage. A church housing 32 evacuees became flooded and structurally compromised, forcing the inhabitants to relocate.<ref name="acklinsflood">{{cite news|author=Krystel Rolle-Brown|title=Devastated: Joaquin leaves path of destruction in its wake|date=October 3, 2015|newspaper=The Nassau Guardian|access-date=October 3, 2015|url=http://www.thenassauguardian.com/news/59655|archive-date=October 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005131631/http://www.thenassauguardian.com/news/59655|url-status=dead}}</ref> Joaquin also damaged power lines in Exuma, where "extreme" flooding was reported. There was modest structural damage on [[Mayaguana]], the easternmost island of the Bahamas.<ref name="rw">{{cite web|author=International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies|title=Bahamas Red Cross Responds to Hurricane Joaquin|publisher=ReliefWeb|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=October 27, 2015|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bahamas/bahamas-red-cross-responds-hurricane-joaquin}}</ref>

Joaquin was one of the strongest known hurricanes to impact the Bahamas,<ref>{{cite news|author=Ian Livingston|title=Hurricane Joaquin among the strongest storms on record in the Bahamas|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/10/02/hurricane-joaquin-among-the-strongest-storms-on-record-in-the-bahamas/|department=Capital Weather Gang}}</ref> and directly affected nearly 7,000 people there.<ref name="rw"/> Several weeks after the storm, officials estimated that 836 residences had been destroyed, including 413 on Long Island, 227 on San Salvador, 123 on Acklins, 50 on Crooked Island, and 23 on Rum Cay.<ref name="followup"/> The storm's effects were considered comparable to the destruction wrought by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which struck the northwestern Bahamas as a Category&nbsp;5.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Tribune|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Updated: Storm Compared To Hurricane Andrew|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/03/multiple-deaths-confirmed-after-storm/}}</ref> Initial claims of numerous casualties throughout the island chain proved unsubstantiated,<ref name="updates"/> and although one man died during the storm on Long Island, his death was unrelated to the hurricane.<ref>{{cite news|title=No Deaths In Long Island From Storm, Says Police Chief|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/05/no-deaths-long-island-storm-says-police-chief/}}</ref> In the aftermath of the hurricane, one person was reported missing on Ragged Island, which escaped with relatively minor effects.<ref name="cdema"/><ref name="cdema2"/> Initial analysis determined that Joaquin resulted in $120.6&nbsp;million in damage. However, one year later it was revealed that the storm actually caused $200&nbsp;million in damage across the Bahamian archipelago.<ref name="reliefweb">{{cite web|author=Government of the Bahamas|title=PM Christie: Hurricanes Matthew and Joaquin Losses Estimated in Hundreds of Millions|date=October 20, 2016|newspaper=Relief Web|access-date=October 29, 2016|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bahamas/pm-christie-hurricanes-matthew-and-joaquin-losses-estimated-hundreds-millions}}</ref><ref name="TCP38">{{cite web|author=Government of the Bahamas|title=Review of the Past Hurricane Season|date=April 5, 2016|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=April 6, 2016|url=https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/linkedfiles/HC_38Doc.3.2.7-Bahamas-_en.docx}}</ref> Due to low insurance penetration, insured losses were expected to account for no more than half of that total.<ref>{{cite news|author=Neil Hartnell|title=Joaquin Set To Cost Insurers $25-$30m|date=October 28, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 28, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/28/joaquin-set-cost-insurers-25-30m/}}</ref>

Airports in the hardest-hit districts were damaged, flooded, and carpeted in debris,<ref name="cdema"/> forcing storm victims to rely on helicopters, seaplanes, and watercraft to deliver storm relief.<ref name="turner"/><ref name="miami">{{cite news|title=After destruction in Bahamas, relief efforts commence as Hurricane Joaquin threatens Bermuda|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=Miami Herald|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article37707048.html}}</ref> Workers gradually cleared runways for emergency use in the days following the storm,<ref name="cdema"/> and all airports were open for normal operations by October 9.<ref name="followup">{{cite news|author=Krishna Virgil|title=Hurricane Wiped Out 836 Homes|date=October 22, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 24, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/22/hurricane-wiped-out-836-homes/?news|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129221038/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/22/hurricane-wiped-out-836-homes/?news|url-status=dead}}</ref> By October 4, the Government of [[Jamaica]] and the [[United States Agency for International Development]] had donated 50 tonnes and just over 32 tonnes, respectively, of emergency supplies to the Bahamas.<ref>{{cite news|title=International Community Rallies To Support Bahamas After Storm|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/04/international-community-rallies-support-bahamas-af/}}</ref> Private groups, local businesses, and [[non-governmental organization]]s, such as the Bahamas [[Red Cross]], started donation drives and began distributing goods to storm victims.<ref>{{cite news|author=Stephen Hunt|title=How To Help: Guide To The Relief Efforts Following Joaquin|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/04/how-help-guide-relief-efforts-following-joaquin/}}</ref> The [[Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency]] arranged for three response teams to evaluate the situation on Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Island.<ref name="cdema"/> BTC established communication centers on Ragged Island, Inagua, and Long Island, giving affected citizens the opportunity to contact family members for free.<ref>{{cite news|title=BTC Opens Call Centres for Joaquin Affected Islands|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=The Bahamas Weekly|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/BTC_Opens_Call_Centres_for_Joaquin_Affected_Islands44347.shtml}}</ref>

A special committee was formed to oversee reconstruction efforts, while government officials began considering new laws to enact stricter building codes.<ref name="60mil">{{cite news|author=Khrisna Virgil|newspaper=The Tribune|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=October 15, 2015|title=Call To Build In Elevated Areas|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/15/call-build-elevated-areas/}}</ref> The government pledged to help eligible homeowners rebuild and repair their property.<ref>{{cite news|author=Krishna Virgil|title=Gray Says Government Will Rebuild Homes Where Necessary|date=October 21, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 24, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/21/gray-says-government-will-rebuild-homes-where-nece/?news|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090113/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/21/gray-says-government-will-rebuild-homes-where-nece/?news|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 6, [[Prime Minister of the Bahamas]] [[Perry Christie]] signed an order waiving import duties on materials needed for rebuilding by storm victims and registered charities on 12 islands. Local leaders called for an extension of the three-month exemption period, which many saw as inadequate.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ricardo Wells|title=Butler-Turner Insists That Long Island Will Recover|date=October 24, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 24, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/23/butler-turner-insists-long-island-will-recover/?news}}</ref> In what residents feared to be a major economic setback, storm-related damage forced [[Club Med]] to delay the annual opening of its San Salvador resort—the largest employer on the island—by two months.<ref>{{cite news|author=Neil Hartnell|title=Club Med Postpones Re-Open By 2 Months|date=October 6, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 6, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/06/club-med-postpones-re-open-2-months/}}</ref> At the end of October, the National Emergency Management Agency began to shift its focus from emergency relief distribution to permanent rebuilding efforts.<ref>{{cite news|author=Nico Scavella|title=Nema Expects To Begin Repairs On November 2|date=October 28, 2015|newspaper=The Tribune|access-date=October 28, 2015|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/28/nema-expects-begin-repairs-november-2/}}</ref>

Parts of the Bahamas were affected by [[Hurricane Matthew]] the following year, [[Hurricane Irma]] in 2017, and [[Hurricane Dorian]] in 2019.

===Sinking of ''El Faro''===
[[Image:Joaquin 2015-10-01 1145z.png|thumb|right|Satellite image at 11:45&nbsp;UTC (7:45&nbsp;a.m. EDT) on October 1 depicting the approximate final position of the SS ''El Faro'' in relation to Hurricane Joaquin]]
{{Main|SS El Faro}}
An American cargo ship—the {{convert|791|ft|m|abbr=on}} ''El Faro''<ref>{{csr|register=ABS|id=7500285|shipname=El Faro|access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref>—went missing near Crooked Island with 33&nbsp;crew members (28&nbsp;Americans and 5&nbsp;Poles) amid {{convert|20|to|30|ft|m|abbr=on}} seas near the hurricane's [[eyewall]].<ref name="ElFaro1"/><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Tribune|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Hurricane Joaquin Destroys Buildings, Unleashes Flooding Throughout Friday|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/hurricane-joaquin-destroys-buildings-unleashes-flo/|archive-date=October 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004014414/http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/oct/02/hurricane-joaquin-destroys-buildings-unleashes-flo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ABCOct4"/> The vessel was last reported to have lost propulsion and begun to [[angle of list|list]] around 7:30&nbsp;a.m. local time on October 1.<ref name="ElFaro1"/><ref name="MiamiHerald1">{{cite news|author1=Jenny Staletovich |author2=Jacqueline Charles |newspaper=Miami Herald|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Joaquin pulls away from Bahamas; ship still missing at sea |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article37304613.html}}</ref> [[Hurricane hunters]] aircraft investigating the storm flew much lower than normal in an unsuccessful effort to locate the stricken ship.<ref name="ElFaro1">{{cite news|title=Coast Guard searching for missing cargo ship out of Jacksonville|date=October 2, 2015|work=[[WJAX-TV]]|publisher=[[Cox Media Group]]|access-date=October 8, 2015|url=http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/coast-guard-searching-missing-cargo-ship-out-jacks/nnskx/|location=Jacksonville, Florida|archive-date=October 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007185912/http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/coast-guard-searching-missing-cargo-ship-out-jacks/nnskx/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[United States Coast Guard]] conducted searches during the day of October 2 without success; efforts resumed at dawn on October 3.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Elisha Fieldstadt |author2=Andrew Rudansky |author3=Jason Cumming |work=[[NBC News]]|date=October 3, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=No Sign of Cargo Ship El Faro in Wake of Hurricane Joaquin|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/no-sign-cargo-ship-el-faro-wake-hurricane-joaquin-n438031}}</ref> On October 3, a lifebuoy from ''El Faro'' was recovered about {{convert|75|mi|km|abbr=on}} northeast of the ship's last known position.<ref name="updates"/> Floating containers and "deck objects" were discovered by the Coast Guard on the next morning, and [[oil spill|oil sheen]] was noted in the area, though it was not conclusively linked to the missing vessel.<ref name="ABCOct4">{{cite news|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|publisher=[[The Walt Disney Company]]|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2015|title=Objects Found in Search for US Cargo Ship El Faro Missing in Hurricane Joaquin|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/search-continues-missing-us-cargo-ship-caught-hurricane/story?id=34236660}}</ref> A {{convert|225|mi2|km2|abbr=on}} debris field consisting of wood, cargo, styrofoam, and other objects was discovered that afternoon.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=United States Coast Guard Southeast|user=USCGSoutheast|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2015|title=#BreakingNews @USCGSoutheast C-130 just lands, reports 225 SqMi debris field of styrofoam, wood, cargo, other items.|number=650777922740076544}}</ref> The joint mission conducted by the Coast Guard, [[United States Air Force|Air Force]], [[United States Navy|Navy]], and [[Air National Guard]] British Royal Naval MK8 Lynx from RFA Lyme Bay covered more than {{convert|242,000|mi2|km2|abbr=on}} in search of the vessel and its crew. The Coast Guard called off search operations at sunset on October 7, with the ship and her crew presumed lost.<ref name="TOTEOct7">{{cite web|author=Emily Reiter|work=[[United States Coast Guard]]|publisher=[[TOTE Maritime]]|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 10, 2015|title=Coast Guard to suspend search for El Faro crew after 7-day search|url=http://elfaroincident.com/el-faro-updates/uscg-news-release-10-7-15/|location=Miami, Florida|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131332/http://elfaroincident.com/el-faro-updates/uscg-news-release-10-7-15/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Eliott C. McLaughlin |author2=Kevin Conlon |title=Coast Guard: Missing cargo ship El Faro sank|date=October 5, 2015|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/05/us/el-faro-missing-ship-hurricane-joaquin/}}</ref> One body, presumed to be from ''El Faro'', was spotted but could not be recovered.<ref name="BGOct5">{{cite news|author1=Jason Dearen |author2=Jennifer Kay |agency=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|publisher=[[John W. Henry]]|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 10, 2015|title=One body found, empty lifeboat located in search for crew of El Faro|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/10/05/one-body-found-empty-lifeboat-located-search-for-crew-faro/oZyLZu9G2bniFQ8BTQNCqI/story.html|location=Jacksonville, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Erik Ortiz |author2=Elisha Fieldstadt |publisher=[[NBC News]]|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 5, 2015|title=El Faro, Cargo Ship Carrying 28 Americans, Believed to Have Sunk|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/cargo-ship-carrying-28-americans-believed-have-sunk-n438466}}</ref> A Navy salvage team was requested, at the behest of the [[National Transportation Safety Board]], to search for the wreckage.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Mariano Castillo |author2=Holly Yan |author3=Eliott C. McLaughlin |author4=Steve Almasy |publisher=[[CNN]]|date=October 7, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015|title=El Faro search ends, Coast Guard says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/07/us/el-faro-missing-ship/}}</ref>

===Greater Antilles: Cuba and Haiti===
Though the storm's center remained north of the [[Greater Antilles]], some coastal areas experienced rough winds and high seas. In Cuba, the station at [[Guantánamo Bay]] recorded gusts of 55&nbsp;mph (89&nbsp;km/h).<ref name="16a"/> The storm caused coastal flooding and damage to roofs in [[Granma Province]];<ref>{{cite news|language=es|access-date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=CubaNet|title=Pronóstico de lluvias por huracán Joaquín moviliza a los cubanos|date=October 2, 2015|url=https://www.cubanet.org/noticias/pronostico-de-lluvias-por-huracan-joaquin-moviliza-a-los-cubanos/}}</ref> more than 100&nbsp;homes were affected in the province.<ref>{{cite news|author=Darelia Díaz Borrero|language=es|publisher=Granma|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 3, 2015|title=Se prepara Granma para reducir efectos del huracán Joaquín|url=http://www.granma.cu/cuba/2015-10-02/se-prepara-granma-para-reducir-efectos-del-huracan-joaquin|location=Bayamo, Cuba}}</ref> Rain from the storm somewhat alleviated conditions from [[2015 Caribbean drought|a record drought]] in Granma, [[Guantánamo Province|Guantánamo]], and [[Santiago de Cuba Province|Santiago de Cuba]] provinces, though many reservoirs remained below 30&nbsp;percent capacity in the latter.<ref>{{cite web|language=es|agency=Redacción Central|publisher=Radio Reloj|date=October 6, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015|title=Huracán Joaquín no provocó en Cuba las lluvias deseadas|url=http://www.radioreloj.cu/index.php/noticias-radio-reloj/75-nacionales/25946-huracan-joaquin-no-provoco-en-cuba-las-lluvias-deseadas|location=Havana, Cuba|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208140709/http://www.radioreloj.cu/index.php/noticias-radio-reloj/75-nacionales/25946-huracan-joaquin-no-provoco-en-cuba-las-lluvias-deseadas|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=es|newspaper=Diario de Cuba|date=October 4, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015|title=Cuba recupera la 'normalidad' mientras el huracán Joaquín se aleja|url=http://www.diariodecuba.com/cuba/1443951382_17300.html|location=Havana, Cuba}}</ref> [[Niquero]], Granma, saw {{convert|157|mm|in|abbr=on|disp=flip}} of rain.<ref>{{cite news|language=es|author1=Lisván Lescaille Durand |author2=Yahily Hernández Porto |author3=Osviel Castro Medel |author4=Odalis Riquenes Cutiño |author5=Héctor Carballo Hechavarría |newspaper=Juventud Rebelde|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2015|title=Joaquín moja, pero no empapa|url=http://www.juventudrebelde.cu/cuba/2015-10-02/joaquin-moja-pero-no-empapa/}}</ref>

Along the northern coast of Haiti's [[Tiburon Peninsula]], high waves from the hurricane capsized a boat with two occupants, killing one of them. Many communes experienced significant coastal flooding from storm tides and active seas, which drove water up to half a kilometer inland. More than 100 homes in [[Artibonite (department)|Artibonite]] were inundated, and the main road to [[Anse-Rouge]] was impassable.<ref name="cdema"/><ref name="cdema4">{{cite web|title=Hurricane Joaquin - Situation Report #7 as of 3:30 pm on October 9th 2015|date=October 9, 2015|publisher=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|access-date=October 10, 2015|url=http://www.cdema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1524:hurricane-joaquin-situation-report-7-as-of-330-pm-on-october-9th-2015&catid=39:situation-reports&Itemid=347|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208063524/http://www.cdema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1524:hurricane-joaquin-situation-report-7-as-of-330-pm-on-october-9th-2015&catid=39:situation-reports&Itemid=347|url-status=dead}}</ref> Strong winds brought down multiple trees in the commune of [[Grande-Saline, Artibonite|Grand-Saline]], where severe flooding was also reported. In [[Nippes]] and [[Nord-Ouest (department)|Nord-Ouest]], four emergency shelters housed nearly 300 individuals. Joaquin damaged banana and [[millet]] fields, killed a small number of livestock, and triggered several landslides.<ref name="cdema"/> In the four hardest-hit departments, about 900 households were directly affected by the storm. The Haitian government distributed nearly 500 hygiene kits to 200 families in Nippes, while evacuees in [[Port-de-Paix]] received mattresses, bed sheets, hygiene kits, food kits, and clean water; [[Action Against Hunger]] also donated water purification tablets.<ref name="cdema4"/>

North of Haiti, the {{convert|212|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} cargo vessel ''Minouche'' began to sink in heavy weather. The U.S. Coast Guard safely rescued all 12 crew members from a life-raft late on October 1.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Coast Guard Rescues 12 From Sinking Cargo Ship|date=October 2, 2015|newspaper=CBS Local Media|access-date=October 8, 2015|url=http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/10/02/u-s-coast-guard-rescues-12-from-sinking-cargo-ship/}}</ref>

===Bermuda===
[[Image:Hurricane Joaquin IR loop Bermuda.gif|right|thumb|Enhanced IR satellite loop, showing Joaquin making its closest approach to Bermuda early on October&nbsp;5]]
As conditions worsened throughout October 4, roadways on Bermuda became obstructed by debris and floodwaters, and electric crews combated growing power outages.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Lisa Simpson |author2=Jonathan Bell |title=Joaquin passes closest point of approach|date=October 4, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 4, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151004/NEWS/151009877}}</ref> By the next morning, the hurricane had cut power to over 15,000 customers;<ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathan Bell|title=West End bears the brunt of Joaquin|date=October 6, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 6, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009800}}</ref> service was returned to the vast majority of households by October 8, despite further inclement weather briefly impeding restoration work.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lisa Simpson|title=Belco still addressing 14 outages|date=October 8, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 9, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151009707}}</ref> Sustained tropical storm-force winds gusted to {{convert|72|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at the airport,<ref>{{cite report|author=Bermuda Weather Service|publisher=Bermuda Weather Service|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=B|url=http://weather.bm/climate.asp|type=Report|location=Bermuda}}</ref> with gusts as high as {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at more exposed and elevated points.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bermuda Weather Service|date=October 6, 2015|work=Bermuda Weather Service official Facebook page|url=https://www.facebook.com/BermudaWeatherService/photos/a.178317008997868.1073741829.175763602586542/510447839118115/?type=3&permPage=1|title=Facebook post on Hurricane Joaquin on Tuesday, October 6, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2015}}</ref> The historic Commissioner's House at the [[Bermuda Maritime Museum]] lost the last of its original roof, which was heavily damaged by hurricanes [[Hurricane Fay (2014)|Fay]] and [[Hurricane Gonzalo|Gonzalo]] of October 2014.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathon Bell|title=Fresh roof damage at Commissioner's Point|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151005/NEWS/151009832}}</ref> In general, however, property damage across the island was minor.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathon Bell|title=BF&M: little property damage|date=October 5, 2015|newspaper=The Royal Gazette|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20151005/NEWS/151009833}}</ref>

===Elsewhere===
{{See also|October 2015 North American storm complex}}
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, heavy rains and storm surge from Joaquin compromised infrastructure, including roadways, docks, and bulkheads. The seawall along Front Street on [[Grand Turk Island]] was damaged, prompting officials to close part of the road. Multiple homes along the coast faced flooding and leaking roofs. In several areas, pounding surf brought about coastal erosion and deposited large volumes of seaweed. Providenciales International Airport remained closed for two days while its storm-damaged weather station awaited replacement. Additionally, the territory lost fruit and vegetable crops to the storm, especially at the government farm on [[North Caicos]].<ref name="cdema3">{{cite web|title=Hurricane Joaquin - Situation Report #6 as of 6:00 pm on October 8th, 2015|date=October 8, 2015|publisher=Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency|access-date=October 5, 2015|url=http://www.cdema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1523:hurricane-joaquin-situation-report-6-as-of-600-pm-on-october-8th-2015&catid=39:situation-reports&Itemid=347}}</ref>

Although Joaquin ultimately tracked far to the east of the United States, a [[Cold-core low|non-tropical low]] over the [[Southeastern United States|Southeast]] tapped into the hurricane's moisture. An [[atmospheric river]] developed between the two systems, resulting in [[October 2015 North American storm complex|record-shattering rains and flooding]] across North and South Carolina. Several areas of South Carolina saw accumulations exceeding the threshold for a [[return period|1-in-1,000-year event]]. The subsequent floods inundated large areas of the state—with areas around [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]] and [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]] hardest-hit—and killed 19 people.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jeff Halverson|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 5, 2015|title=The meteorology behind South Carolina's catastrophic, 1,000-year rainfall event|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/10/05/the-meteorology-behind-south-carolinas-catastrophic-1000-year-rainfall-event/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[WYFF]]|publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]]|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 5, 2015|title=S.C. flooding death toll up to 9|url=http://www.wyff4.com/news/building-collapses-in-columbia-numerous-roads-flooded/35646664}}</ref> This storm caused an additional $2 billion (2015 USD) in damage.<ref name="billions">{{cite web|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/events|title=Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: Table of Events|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]|date=2015|access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}
Because of the severe damage in the Bahamas and the deaths at sea caused by the storm, the name ''Joaquin'' was [[Tropical cyclone naming#Retirement|retired]] by the [[World Meteorological Organization]] in April 2016. The name was replaced with ''Julian'' for the [[2021 Atlantic hurricane season|2021 season]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016|title=World Meteorological Organization retires storm names Erika, Joaquin and Patricia|url=http://www.noaa.gov/world-meteorological-organization-retires-storm-names-erika-joaquin-and-patricia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rice|first=Doyle|title=Hurricane names Patricia, Joaquin and Erika retired|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/04/26/hurricane-names-retired-patricia-joaquin-erika-retired/83546328/|publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123023559/https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2016/04/26/hurricane-names-retired-patricia-joaquin-erika-retired/83546328/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
* [[List of Bermuda hurricanes]]
* [[List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes]]
* [[Hurricane Andrew]] (1992) – Caused severe damage and loss of life in the northwestern Bahamas before striking Florida as a Category&nbsp;5
* [[Hurricane Frances]] (2004) – Before Joaquin, the most recent Category&nbsp;4 hurricane to strike the Bahamas
* [[Hurricane Gonzalo]] (2014) – Struck Bermuda in October&nbsp;2014, causing extensive destruction
* [[Hurricane Matthew]] (2016) – Caused extensive damage to the Bahamas as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane roughly a year after Joaquin
* [[Hurricane Irma]] (2017) – Caused extensive to catastrophic damage in the Caribbean and parts of the Bahamas, before making landfall in Florida
* [[Hurricane Maria]] (2017) – Caused catastrophic damage in [[Puerto Rico]], before affecting the Bahamas and the [[Carolinas]]
* [[Hurricane Florence]] (2018) – Category&nbsp;4 hurricane that caused catastrophic flooding in the Carolinas
* [[Hurricane Dorian]] (2019) – Another major hurricane that stalled over The Bahamas as a record-breaking Category&nbsp;5

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Hurricane Joaquin}}
* [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/JOAQUIN.shtml Advisory archive for Hurricane Joaquin] at the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes}}
{{2015 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2015 Atlantic hurricane season|Joaquin]]
[[Category:2015 in the Caribbean]]
[[Category:2015 in Cuba|Hurricane Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:2015 in the Bahamas|Hurricane Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:2015 in the Turks and Caicos Islands|Hurricane Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Bermuda|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Cuba|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Bahamas|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in the Turks and Caicos Islands|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:Retired Atlantic hurricanes|Joaquin (2015)]]
[[Category:September 2015 in North America]]
[[Category:October 2015 in North America]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2015|Joaquin]]
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