Hurricane Earl Threatens U.S. Coast from N. Carolina to Maine

While conditions improve in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Hurricane Earl strengthened to a strong category 4 hurricane. Forecasters are warning residents from N. Carolina to Maine to pay close attention to Hurricane Earl. Although this powerful storm is past the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, there is still a threat of flash floods and mudslides. Residents along the entire East Coast should be watching Earl and making preparations.

Hurricane Earl has caused flooding, power outages and damages to homes in the Caribbean. Many areas suffered power outages from the storm. All traffic was cancelled in the area.

Now that Hurricane Earl has left the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, it has to cross more warm waters before making landfall somewhere. Earl could possibly strengthen even more. It is unknown how much this powerful storm will affect the East Coast, so warnings have gone out to all states from N. Carolina to Maine.

Storm surge, high waves and rip currents are common during these types of dangerous storms. All coastal beaches have alerted swimmers and surfers of this threat. Although it is popular with surfers to tempt fate and surf during these times, authorities are warning people of the dangers and of the recent surfer who just died from Hurricane Danielle.

Hurricane Earl has many residents preparing. A powerful category 4 storm like Earl is to be taken seriously. All coastal states need to be preparing for this storm.

Have your plan in place before the hurricane approaches. All hurricanes are unpredictable as season 2004/2005 has proven. Hurricane Earl is proving no different as this storm became a hurricane on Sunday and by Monday was a category 4 storm.

Don't be taken by surprise. Earl could suddenly turn at a moment's notice and being prepared is the smartest thing to do. How to prepare your emergency kit for a storm and planning your evacuation can be found at FEMA.

Hurricane Earl is currently located northwest of the Virgin Islands and is still moving west-northwest. This powerful category 4 storm has sustained winds of 135 mph. Hurricane Earl is the most powerful storm this season and threatens many U.S. coastal states.

For other topics by this contributor please see http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/743371/teresa_erwin.html

Authors' Disclaimer: While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with the most accurate information, please use your discretion before making any decisions based on the information in this article.

Resources

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11520891
FEMA. http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html