Hurricane Earl is at its strongest as it makes it's closest approach to the US coast. The increase in wind has also increased the size of the storm. Peak winds are at 145 mph, and hurricane force winds extend out 90 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds extend 230 miles away. This means that the impact will reach more areas even if the storm stays off shore. See the latest images, forecasts, and wave maps in the slide show below.
President Obama has signed an Emergency Declaration freeing up resources to assist in the mandatory evacuation in North Carolina, rescues, and clean up. As for that evacuation, 30,000 people were being moved out of coastal North Carolina since 5 am.
States of Emergency have been decalred by the Governors of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
The forecast still has Earl very close to North Carolina before moving turning away from the coast and skimming eastern New England. As a result, Hurricane Warnings continue for North Carolina beaches. Tropical Storm Warnings are posted for Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Watches are up for New England.
National Hurricane Center Update:
SUMMARY OF 500 AM EDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...29.3N 74.7W
ABOUT 410 MI...660 KM S OF CAPE HATTERAS NORTH CAROLINA
ABOUT 870 MI...1400 KM SSW OF NANTUCKET MASSACHUSETTS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...145 MPH...230 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 330 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...928 MB...27.40 INCHES
Earl and Tropical Links:
Hurricane Earl: Dangerous water for Ocean City and East coast. Track, waves and tides
Rip currents close Ocean City beaches, one swimmer missing. Hurricane Earl video, east coast threat
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