Hurricane Earl headed for NC

Prediction of Earl's landfall (Map courtesy WRAL)

By Bryanna Braithwaite, Chronicle staff

ATLANTIC OCEAN-Hurricane Earl is on its way, and it should be here by Labor Day weekend. The massive Category 4 storm is making its way northwest, headed straight for the east coast. As of printing, Earl's maximum sustained winds were around 130 mph. Hurricane watches are in effect from Surf City, NC to the Virginia/NC border.

Best case scenario, it will slide past the Old North State. Worst case - Outer Banks, batten down the hatches.

There is a 60% chance that Earl will turn right and not hit the North Carolina coast, according to the Weather Channel. If it wobbles just a little left, then it could turn dangerous in a hurry for North Carolina beaches.

If you go out to the beach, be careful! The rip currents will pull you in, and could be fatal! If you see a red "no swim" flag in the surf, don't ignore it. In the event that Earl makes it this far inland, the National Hurricane Center has provided us with a family disaster plan. This can be used in any natural disaster situation (hurricane, tornado, flooding, even volcanic eruption!): 　

• Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family
• Locate a safe room or safest areas in your home community
• Determine escape routes from your home and place to meet
• Have an out of state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact
• Post emergency telephone number by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911
• Check your insurance coverage
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and disaster supply list
• Buy a NOAA weather radio and plenty of batteries
• Take a first aid kit

The Chronicle is keeping an eye on the storm, and will pass information along as needed. Regardless of where you are, be safe this Labor Day weekend.