A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the New Jersey coast and Delaware beaches.
Hurricane Earl has dropped to a strong Category 2 storm with winds whipping around 110 mph, but could easily become a Category 3 storm at any time, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The monster storm began as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds of 140 mph earlier in the day. Earl is continuing to brush the coast of the Carolinas as it moves north.
A turn to the northeast is expected and that would have the center of the storm passing well to the east of our area over the Atlantic. Hurricane and tropical storm force winds may still remain well away from the center of the storm so the coastal areas should expect plenty of wind, rain and rough surf.
Thursday night the clouds will increase along with the wind out of the northeast. The surf will get rough with waves of 6 to 10 feet building up to 7 to 12 feet.
Friday morning there will be periods of rain with a very gusty wind. Wind could be 20 to 40 mph with higher gusts. Waves will be 10 to 20 feet.
Friday afternoon and evening there will be tropical storm conditions as the wind shifts to the northwest. Wind could still be gusting more than 30 mph and the seas will begin to subside.
Saturday and Sunday will see a lighter breeze and sunshine, compared to Friday. The storm will quickly move away from the area as drier air moves in from the west.
