Briefly: Hurricane Earl Grows Stronger

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Briefly: Hurricane Earl Grows Stronger

The tropical storm strengthens to a Category 3.

August 30, 2010

Now classified as a “major hurricane,” Hurricane Earl strengthened to a Category 3 storm today, and is expected to worsen in the next 48 hours, according to weather experts at the Hurricane Center. The tropical storm is speeding towards the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean with winds at about 195km per hour.

According to the Hurricane Center, a hurricane warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, and hurricane watch is in effect for Anguilla, Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, the British Virgin Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.

These areas could receive 8 to 12 inches of rain, raising water levels by 2 to 4 feet near coastal areas. The storm could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

“Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning are…in this case within the next 12 hours,” said the Hurricane Center. “Preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed.”

UPDATE: After upgrading to a Category 4 storm on Tuesday, Hurricane Earl has now weakened to a Category 3 storm. The hurricane is moving along the US coast, and is expected to affect weather in Atlantic Canada this weekend.

The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reductions issued the following safety tips:

If you are indoors

Stay indoors, away from glassed areas.
Turn on a battery-operated radio and listen for the latest emergency information.
If told to leave, take your disaster safety kit and go immediately to the designated shelter. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes – never take shortcuts.
If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere.
If power is lost, turn down major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.

If you are outdoors

If possible, get inside a building.
If there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Stay away from bridges and overpasses.

If you are in a vehicle

Immediately stop the car and turn off the engine.
Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a building, ditch or ravine. Become familiar with your community’s hurricane warning system. Every member of your family should know what to do when a hurricane warning or watch is released. Learn about the disaster safety plans in the workplace and at your home.

Visit http://www.citopbroker.com for additional updates.