Update to Hurricane Watches & Warnings

As of mid-day Wednesday, Hurricane Watches were extended northward up the rest of the Eastern Shore all the way to Delaware. In addition, the Watch in eastern North Carolina and for the Outer Banks was replaced with a Warning, meaning tropical storm force (39-73mph winds) and hurricane force (74mph+) winds are possible in the warned region within the next 36 hours.

Virginia's coastal regions remain under a Hurricane Watch at this time:

Earl should continue its northward curve over the next 24 hours as it tracks clockwise around the high pressure in the Atlantic:

Tropical Storm force winds extend out about 200 miles from the center of the storm, so it is extremely likely that this strength of sustained wind will impact all of the Outer Banks beginning Thursday night into Friday morning. Hurricane force winds are also possible, especially in the easternmost points of the Outer Banks. Virginia Beach down to the North Carolina state line may receive tropical storm force winds.

The best rain chances remain in the far eastern peninsulas of Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Eastern Shore. Most of central Virginia may miss out on any of Earl's rainfall, but we should get some of the wind inland on Friday. Expect a blustery day with winds 15-25 mph.