The storm, the third of the Atlantic hurricane season, has moved in a southerly direction at a speed of 11 kph (7 mph) in the last few hours but is expected to turn northwest and north Thursday night or Friday to come close to or above the Bahamas, the NHC predicted.

A U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane was sent to the area and reported the hurricane has gained force in the last few hours and has winds of 165 kph (105 mph) and even stronger gusts.

The NHC has predicted the hurricane will strengthen even further in the coming hours to become a major Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, on which Category 5 is the highest category.

Authorities in Bahamas have already prepared shelters in anticipation of the hurricane.

Currently, a hurricane warning is in effect in central Bahamas, including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Authorities also issued a hurricane warning for northwestern Bahamas including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island, and New Providence.