Hurricane Earl strengthens some as it bears down on East Coast, bringing island evacuations

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Earl strengthens some as it nears East Coast

MIAMI — Forecasters say Hurricane Earl’s winds gusted even stronger as the powerful storm steamed toward the Eastern Seaboard.

The National Hurricane Center says maximum sustained winds late Wednesday were about 140 mph (220 kph), making it a Category 4 hurricane.

The strongest hurricane forecasters give is a Category 5 with winds 155 mph (249 kph) and higher.

Communities from North Carolina to New England are keeping a close eye on the forecast. A slight shift in Earl’s predicted offshore track could put millions of people in the most densely populated part of the country in harm’s way.

Tropical Storm Fiona remained north of the Caribbean. And Tropical Storm Gaston on their heels is beginning to slow down over the open Atlantic.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) — Forecasters say Hurricane Earl’s winds gusted even stronger as the powerful storm steamed toward the Eastern Seaboard.

The National Hurricane Center says maximum sustained winds late Wednesday were about 140 mph (220 kph), making it a Category 4 hurricane.

The strongest hurricane forecasters give is a Category 5 with winds 155 mph (249 kph) and higher. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 monster.

Communities from North Carolina to New England are keeping a close eye on the forecast. A slight shift in Earl’s predicted offshore track could put millions of people in the most densely populated part of the country in harm’s way.

Tropical Storm Fiona remained north of the Caribbean. And Tropical Storm Gaston on their heels is beginning to slow down over the open Atlantic.