Hurricane Joaquin has strengthened to a Category 3 storm, according to the National Weather Service. The News 12 New Jersey Weather Center is closely tracking the path of the hurricane.

The rain has mostly stopped falling around the state Wednesday evening, and News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist Dave Curren says that Thursday looks to be mostly cloudy. Temperatures should only reach the mid-50s and low-60s for Wednesday night and Thursday.

Curren says Friday should see periods of heavy rain with lots of wind. Temperatures are expected to be in the high-50s. Curren says that Friday's rain is not associated with Hurricane Joaquin.

As News 12 New Jersey tracks the storm, officials are taking precautions along the Jersey Shore for the rest of the week. 

Curren says Joaquin's track is uncertain, but its effects may be felt by late Saturday or Sunday.

A high rip current risk remains in effect through Wednesday night along the entire New Jersey coast. Forecasters say southerly winds combined with swells of 5 to 7 feet are creating rough seas.

Although the path of Joaquin remains uncertain, officials say people in New Jersey should begin to take the necessary precautions.