Hurricane Maria could hit Newfoundland on Friday, just one year after Hurricane Igor tore apart infrastructure there and left dozens of communities in states of emergency.

Maria, a tropical storm, was upgraded to Category 1 hurricane status Thursday, becoming the third hurricane of the season, as it moved north towards southeastern Newfoundland.

On Thursday evening, Environment Canada has placed Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula from Arnolds Cove to Brigus South on hurricane watch, which means hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours.

The heart of the storm is expected to pass over the region on Friday.

However, tropical storm conditions are more likely, with tropical storm warning in effect for the entire peninsula from Arnolds Cove to Jones Harbour. A warning means conditions are not just possible, but expected.

"Coastal flooding is expected near and to the east of where the centre makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves," the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said in a statement.

Between one and three inches of rain are expected.

The NHC said the hurricane watch could be upgraded to a warning later Thursday evening.

According to the NHC, a Category 1 hurricane can produce winds between 119-153 km/h.

"People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations," the centre says of Category 1 hurricanes.

"Newer mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of shingle or metal roof coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports, sunrooms, or lanais,"