Afternoon update...

Hurricane Earl has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, and more gradual weakening is expected. It still looks like the center will pass just east of Cape Hatteras.

The wind field is expanding with the hurricane, so I have no changes in my thoughts that the OBX will see a period of hurricane force winds tonight. 4-10" of rain are possible, and I still expect beach erosion to be a significant problem. Overwash over Highway 12 still seems like a likelihood in some spots.

From looking at some of the shots from the Cams and Streams Page I assembled, you can really see the surf picking up. The stream from Top Sail beach is especially interesting to watch as the waves have already washed up and past the little dune fences.

High tide at Hatteras is around 2:30am, and this will obviously only add the the problem.

Keep it tuned to News 14 Carolina through the night and into tomorrow for the most comprehensive Earl coverage you can find. We have reporters stationed up and down the coast, and we will bring you the very latest information around the clock.

The Weather on the Ones forecast centers around the state will be staffed all night long....I know Matt Morano and I will be in the office by around 1:30am to take the baton from Jeff Crum and Doug Lindsay for the Charlotte and Triad markets.