Monday, August 30, 2010

Earl becomes a dangerous storm

A NAVY Image of Hurricane Earl tonight

Here is an update tonight on what has become a very dangerous hurricane over the last few hours. Earl has spent the day skirting the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with 50-60mph winds, driving rain and pounding surf. Despite this, the storm has been able to blossom into a major hurricane with 135mph winds and a central pressure of 938mb. Earl has developed a very well defined eye and continues to increase in intensity while moving west northwest at 14mph. The storm is expected to impact the Bahamas and Turks and Cacaos next, and a tropical storm warning is out for those regions. Beyond that concern is growing along the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Newfoundland. Present computer models are bringing Earl closer to the coast with each successive run. Watches may required for a portion of the coast as early as Tuesday. The Outer Banks and Hatteras Island are a prime target at the moment for Earl. I spend two weeks each year on Hatteras Island, so all my energy and thoughts are pushing this storm out to sea.

This is a very dangerous storm and the US Coast Guard is urging those along the coast to listen and monitor forecasts. Swells and surf will begin arriving Tuesday and rip currents are likely along the entire coastline. Environment Canada issued a statement today indicating that Earl may likely affect eastern Canada. It remains too soon to pinpoint the exact location but all coastal residents are advised to begin thinking about preparations and or possible evacuations. I will post an update on Hurricane Earl early tomorrow morning.

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