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August 31, 2010

After dealing a glancing blow to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Hurricane Earl was heading back out into the open Atlantic Tuesday -- and forecasters are warning the violent storm could hit the Carolinas later this week.

Earl quickly developed into a Category 4 storm on Monday, reports CNN, packing winds of 135 mph (215 kph). It also grew large, with hurricane-force winds stretching 70 miles (110 km) from its center and tropical storm-force winds extending outward some 200 miles (325 kilometers).

"We don't expect it to weaken," CNN meteorologist Rob Marciano said Tuesday. "It may strengthen." Meanwhile, Earl's forecast track has shifted westward, Marciano said. Tracking maps show Earl nearing the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a Category 3 hurricane early Friday before approaching Cape Cod, Massachusetts, as a Category 2 storm on Saturday.

The Hurricane Center suggests that those living on the coast, from the Carolinas to New England should "monitor the progress of Earl."

As it moves away from Puerto Rico, Earl was expected to turn toward the northwest and continue that motion through Wednesday. The storm is forecast to cross east of the Turks and Caicos later Tuesday and Tuesday evening. The islands will begin experiencing tropical storm conditions Tuesday afternoon, forecasters said.

On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged residents to prepare for severe weather. FEMA said the public can visit the website Ready.gov to learn how to prepare for a hurricane. Tips include developing a family communications plan, putting together a kit with 72 hours of food and water and staying informed of risks in the area.

The Survivors Club will continue to update you on the latest Hurricane Earl news. For more information on surviving a hurricane, click here.

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