MIAMI – Joaquin strengthened to a hurricane Wednesday morning as it nears the Bahamas.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the central Bahamas as the storm approaches.

Hurricane Joaquin’s maximum sustained winds increased to near 75 mph (120 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center says additional strengthening is expected over the next two days.

The storm is centred about 245 miles (395 kilometres) east-northeast of the central Bahamas and is moving southwest near 6 mph (9 kph). Joaquin’s centre is expected to pass over or near the central Bahamas Wednesday night or Thursday.

Meanwhile in the Pacific, Marty has weakened to a tropical depression as it moves away from Mexico’s coast.

Marty’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph (55 kph) and it’s expected to weaken to a remnant low later Wednesday or on Thursday. The depression is centred about 115 miles (185 kilometres) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.