Hurricane Earl May Effect The Shore

The East Coast is casting an eye toward Hurricane Earl.

The category 4 hurricane is expected to have some effect on our weather late Thursday or early Friday.

Earl should weaken to a strong category 2 storm as it reaches these latitudes. Weather forecasters currently think Earl will pass a couple of hundred miles off the coast but the development of a high pressure system out in the Atlantic and whether a trough in the mid west will make it here before Earl arrives will determine whether Earl will move off without affecting our weather dramatically, or move closer and brush us with tropical storm winds, rain and wind. At the very least, Earl promises to disrupt seaside activities bringing in high tides, heavy surf and strong rip currents into the weekend.

Eastern Shore residents should have plans finalized in case evacuation of low lying areas and mobile homes is recommended by the Dept. of Emergency Services. Preparations to secure or remove smaller boats from the water should be ready in case a Hurricane or Tropical Storm watch is issued for this area.

Plans should be made to evacuate to higher ground if necessary or to a more substantial structure if you live in a mobile home.

You should make arrangements for your own safety and that of your pets.

Everyone should be putting together an emergency kit which should include some canned food or packaged food that doesnt require refrigeration, three gallons of fresh water per person, a radio and flashlights with spare batteries, a several day supply of any medication you might need, some cash important papers including insurance cards and other papers you might need and pet food if necessary.

You should be prepared in case electric service is interrupted for an extended period.

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