Will Hurricane Earl Hit Long Island? - Projected Path

Hurricane Earl is in the Atlantic moving northwest at 14 miles per hour. So far, it seems that Earl is moving the same way that the infamous Hurricane Gloria did in 1985. Hurricane Gloria was a very powerful Category 5 hurricane that moved along the the Atlantic until it moved directly over Long Island and into New England with winds of 85 mile per hour. It left an immense path of damage worth an estimated $900 million in 1985 dollars.

As of this afternoon, a hurricane watch is in effect for the area north of Surf City North Carolina up to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.

"We do not have a forecasted landfall, but we do expect impacts along the coast," Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate told reporters. Winds from the approaching storm churned up seas along the coastline from Florida to Massachusetts.

"Evacuations may be required if the storm doesn't turn," he said. "Today is the day to make sure you have your family disaster plans, that you check your supplies."

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What he says is true, if you live anywhere near that area, you should be prepared and have everything you might need if you have to evacuate.

The NOAA also advises that residents from Virginia northward to New England should monitor the progress of Hurricane Earl.

Continue reading on the next page.


A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Also, a tropical storm watch is in effect for the southeastern Bahamas and from Cape Fear to Surf City.

Hurricane force winds extend from Earl's center all the way out for 90 miles. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles.

It's hoped that Earl will circle out farther to sea and that he never reaches land, however, it's best to be prepared. If Earl keeps going strong, it could happen that he goes straight up towards Long Island, so hopefully he will die down before that can happen.