ALFRED — York County residents should prepare for rain, and fishermen and boaters should keep an eye on the marine forecast in the days ahead, local emergency managers say.

While as of this morning, Hurricane Joaquin is forecast to track out into the Atlantic Ocean, it is expected bring rain to Maine.

York County Emergency Management Agency Director Art Cleaves this morning said Joaquin was expected to pass by Cape Hatteras Monday.

“The cone of uncertainty shows a brush by Long Island and Cape Cod,” he said.

According to AccuWeather, the hurricane is unlikely to make landfall in the United States. Rain associated with the hurricane is expected to come early next week.

Locally, the emergency management agency will track the storm and have already been in contact with directors in the county’s 29 municipalities along with the river management group that keeps an eye on the Saco and Mousam rivers, and will coordinate with Central Maine Power if the remnants of the hurricane produce wind.

Cleaves, along with the American Red Cross, urge people to be prepared – hurricane season isn’t over until Nov. 30.

Folks should have provisions for 72 hours, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries and a radio, a first aid kit and medications. Those who have wells should make sure they have plenty of water on hand for both drinking and flushing. Folks are advised to fill their gas tank, have some cash on hand and if gusty winds are forecast, pick up and store lawn furniture or other objects that could become airborne.

Fishermen should also keep an ear to the marine forecast.

The National Weather Service Office in Gray this forecast minor splashover in coastal York County at the 3 p.m. high tide today – due to astronomical high tides.

As for this weekend, expect cloudy weather Saturday with a high near 55, and a mostly sunny day on Sunday, with highs around 57 degrees.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282- 1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].