Governor M. Jodi Rell Wednesday announced that she is continuing to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Earl, participating in a conference call with federal Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Director William Craig Fugate and remaining in close contact with state officials.
The hurricane, which is currently off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras, has prompted storm warnings for portions of the mid-Atlantic seaboard and storm watches – a lower level of alert – for the East Coast from Virginia to Delaware. If the storm follows its present track it is expected to remain largely offshore and deal a glancing blow, at most, to southern New England – but predictions at this stage are tenuous at best.
“The uncertainty of the hurricane’s course means we will watch the storm every step of the way,” Governor Rell said. “We are getting a constant stream of information from the Coast Guard, FEMA and our own Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Department of Environmental Protection. The state is also working closely to keep municipal leaders, first responders and other critical agencies ‘in the loop’ as we learn more about the hurricane’s course.
“In the meantime, even if the storm does not hit us it is likely to create hazardous conditions for boaters, including high winds and waves,” the Governor said. “I am strongly encouraging every mariner to check the weather conditions before setting out – especially over the Labor Day weekend, when our waterway tend to be particularly crowded. Be mindful of small craft advisories and wind warnings, which are not only posted at marinas but are available on the Internet and on marine radio VHF Channel 16.”
Additional information on preparedness, including preparing for hurricanes, is available at www.ct.gov/hurricane. Today marks the first day of National Preparedness Month.
