 A non @-@ tropical low developed into a tropical depression on September 28 about 405 mi ( 650 km ) southwest of Bermuda , based on the improved circulation on satellite imagery and deep convection forming near the center . The storm initially moved slowly southwestward due to a blocking ridge of high pressure to the north . Although wind shear increased slightly , Joaquin tracked over ocean temperatures of 86 ° F ( 30 ° C ) , allowing the cloud pattern to become better organized . On September 30 , the storm intensified into a hurricane . Joaquin then rapidly deepened , becoming a Category 4 hurricane late on October 1 . Joaquin later weakened as it passed through the Bahamas , but reintensified to a Category 4 hurricane while recurving northeastward . On October 3 , maximum sustained winds peaked at 155 mph ( 250 km / h ) and a minimum barometric pressure of 931 mbar ( 27 @.@ 5 inHg ) . Thereafter , Joaquin began to rapidly weaken as it approached Bermuda . The cyclone then turned eastward and maintained hurricane status until October 7 . By the following day , Joaquin became extratropical about 445 mi ( 715 km ) west @-@ northwest of Corvo Island in the Azores . The remnants later stuck Portugal , before dissipating over the Gulf of Cádiz on October 15 . 
