Hurricane Earl

At 0500 hours on 3 September, Hurricane Earl remains a category 2 and has continued to weaken with maximum winds of 110 mph (a decrease of 5 mph from 1700 on 2 September) and continues moving North/Northeast at 18 mph. Earl is projected to increase in forward speed as it turns toward the Northeast in the next 12-24 hours. A tropical storm warning remains in effect north from the VA/NC line to Sandy Hook, NJ. Tropical storm force winds (39 mph and greater) began impacting the Commonwealth in south Hampton Roads and the eastern shore of Virginia around 0300 hours this morning and should continue through approximately 1300 hours on Friday afternoon as Earl exits the northern eastern shore area. Centerline forecast distance tracking 144 miles off the coast of Virginia. The coastal localities are forecast to experience sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts at the coast to 45 mph. Coastal tides are forecast to be 1 to 2 feet above normal with spots possible to 3 feet.
Sep 01
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News Release: Hampton Roads residents should be prepared for Hurricane Earl

FOR RELEASE AT WILL
Sept. 1, 2010

Hampton Roads residents should be prepared for Hurricane Earl
Storm will pass Virginia by Friday afternoon  

RICHMOND, VA – Hurricane Earl is forecast to bring high winds and moderate flooding along Virginia’s coastline, but the National Weather Service does not expect a major impact in Virginia and the storm is expected to leave the area by Friday afternoon.  Hampton Roads residents should be ready for power outages, downed trees and blocked roads.

“Hurricane Earl could cause problems in coastal areas, but the storm is forecast to pass through the area overnight,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.  “Coastal residents could experience power outages and blocked roads, so they should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.” 

The NWS  in calling for tropical storm force winds and gusts of up to 60 mph to last approximately nine hours, beginning Thursday night through Friday afternoon.  There is a risk for moderate flooding during that time, with tides 3-4 feet above normal.

Detailed instructions about how to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms is available at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov and http://www.ListoVirginia.gov. Online videos that explain storm surge and Virginia’s hurricane evacuation plan are available at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency. 

Virginians should call their local emergency manager for specific information about their area; a list of local emergency managers is available at http://www.vaemergency.com/library/directories/index.cfm.  General information about the storm and state’s efforts to prepare is available by dialing 2-1-1.   

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