Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency in Maryland ahead of Hurricane Joaquin.

Hurricane Joaquin gained momentum Thursday afternoon, strengthening to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm by 2 p.m., according to the US Hurricane Center.

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By 3 p.m. Hogan had placed Maryland under a state of emergency, "out of abundance of caution."

"While we're hoping for the best, we're preparing for the worst," Hogan said.

Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials say they are in constant contact with the national hurricane center as well as the National Weather Service members serving the Maryland area.

Maryland is taking steps to activate resources and mobilize in case Hurricane Joaquin becomes a more direct threat to the state.