Navy Ready to Move Ships if Hurricane Earl Shifts West

For residents of southeast Virginia a good indicator of whether or not a hurricane is believed headed to strike the area is watching to see what the U.S. Navy does with its ships based in the area. Since the likelihood of damage is less if the ships head out to sea and sail out of harm's as opposed to staying tied up in port, whenever the Navy expects a serious hurricane risk, the fleet is ordered to sea. This afternoon, the Navy said it was preparing to send out the fleet if Hurricane Earl shifts westward - a shift that would bring heavier winds and increased storm surge to the area. Like everyone else in the area, the boyfriend and I will be watching and waiting to see what happens. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot:

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The Navy was preparing its ships to leave Hampton Roads if conditions deteriorate as Hurricane Earl moved farther from north of Puerto Rico this morning and began churning its way toward the United States.

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In Hampton Roads, the Navy is at Hurricane Condition Four, meaning destructive winds are possible within 72 hours, according to a news release. Navy personnel and families were being urged to review their checklists and evacuation plans in case the Earl's track changes, bringing the Category 4 storm and its winds of 135 mph closer to shore.

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Also this morning, lifeguards along the Oceanfront had to raise the red flags and restrict swimmers to waist-deep water, said Capt. Tom Gill of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service.

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In Hampton Roads, the Coast Guard set the port condition for "Whiskey," meaning hurricane-force winds are expected by Thursday, a news release said. The same port condition was set in Wilmington and Morehead City, N.C.

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On Monday, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management urged Hampton Roads residents to review their evacuation plans and make sure their hurricane preparedness kits were stocked.