East Coast Advised to Keep Eye on Category 4 Hurricane Earl

Hurricane Earl, now a Category 4 storm, moved away from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands this morning, continuing on a track that could bring it close to the East Coast later this week, possibly Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center advised that residents from the Carolinas to New England should monitor Earl’s progress. “There is still considerable uncertainty as to how close the hurricane will come to the U.S. East Coast,” the NHC said.

There are currently no hurricane warnings or watches in effect for the U.S. mainland. Earl’s maximum sustained winds remain at 135 mph.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also urging all Americans in East Coast states to take steps now to prepare their families and businesses for hurricanes and severe weather because storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly.

“Hurricane Earl should serve as a reminder to all of us of the importance of being prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

FEMA is encouraging people to visit www.ready.gov for tips on preparing for emergencies including hurricanes.