Storm Watch Canceled As Earl Weakens

As Hurricane Earl moves northward, the town of Greenwich and the Greenwich branch of the American Red Cross want to make sure every resident is prepared for the storm.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, the tropical storm watch for coastal Fairfield County had been canceled with Hurricane Earl off the coast of Maryland, moving up the East Coast. The Category 1 storm was predicted to bring rain to Connecticut by the afternoon and into the evening. Winds of 10 to 20 mph are possible.

"Residents should make sure they have an emergency plan, disaster kit and that their car has a full tank of gas," said Tim Wall, director of disaster and emergency services at the Greenwich Red Cross. "Since we are at the height of hurricane season, these storms pop up pretty quickly." The Red Cross advised resident to bring things indoors that could cause damage to their home, stock up on essentials and make sure all necessary medications are available.

The town's health department partners with home health and personal care agencies to help residents during emergencies. Health Director Caroline Calderone Baisley is looking into the number of people the home care agencies assist, which will allow the department to expand its emergency planning.

Wall and Baisley agree that residents should keep themselves informed and be aware that they may be without power and should plan accordingly.

But the holiday weekend won't be ruined. Saturday, Sunday and Monday are predicted to be sunny and breezy with high temperatures in the 70s.

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