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.