Hurricane Earl

Just a quick update on a report I just saw from the National Hurricane Center:

Earl is predicted to generate a 3-5 foot storm surge, in addition to wind and rain.

That means if you live on or near the coast, including Pamlico Sound's western edges, that you are likely looking at up to 5 more feet of water in your front yard than normal for at least 12 hours or so, maybe as long as 24 hours--and if you're not prepared for that, you have about 12 hours to get ready.

If you're not evacuating, start getting the important stuff off the floor...but if you live at sea level, or close, you might want to pack up and go now.

Governor Perdue is reporting, as I'm watching, that she expects a "strong category 3"--and she suggest the older and sicker, who might need medical attention, should leave.

She also recommends pulling your boats out of the water.

Ominous signs coming from Hurricane Earl today, including new worries that its trajectory may be shifting to the west. Ocracoke evacuation ordered.

• NC Department of Transportation Travel Information
• National Hurricane Center (scroll down for maps)
• WRAL Weather
• Indian Beach webcam