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Wilmington awaits Earl

HURRICANE Earl has again strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it closes in on Wilmington, North Carolina.

At 800 EDT, Earl’s centre was about 575km south of Cape Hatteras, according to the National Hurricane Center, with maximum winds near 230kph. “A gradual weakening is expected to start later today, but Earl is expected to be a major hurricane when it passes near the outer banks,” the NHC said.

The US Coast Guard has issued a condition Zulu for Wilmington, closing the port to inbound and outbound traffic as it prepares for gale force winds within the next 12 hours.

A port spokeswoman told Fairplay that all container gantry cranes have been secured.

“Vessels scheduled to arrive today are waiting it out at sea until the storm passes through,” said the port’s Karen Fox. “When the coastguard opens the harbour and the river, we’ll work them as planned.”

The port’s terminals continue to receive and dispatch cargo by truck and rail, she added.

Farther south, Charleston's port reported no storm impacts as yet.

Earl is expected to move up the East Coast “and be very near southeastern New England Friday night”, the NHC said. HURRICANE Earl has again strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it closes in on Wilmington, North Carolina.

17:18 2 Sep