Published On:Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Also in effect is a tropical storm watch for Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island and Acklins.

At 2pm, the centre of Hurricane Earl was located near latitude 21.5 degrees north and longtitude 68.5 degrees west or about 170 miles east of Grand Turk island and about 280 miles east-southeast of Mayaguana.

Earl is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 miles per hour and a gradual turn toward the northwest is expected later today.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 135 miles per hour with higher gusts making Earl a category four hurricane. Some fluctuations in strength are likely during the next 24 to 48 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend 70 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles.

Residents in the Turks and Caicos can expect heavy downpours, strong gusty winds up to tropical storm force, flooding in low lying areas and dangerous, battering waves this afternoon and tonight. Residents are advised to remain indoors once conditions begin to deteriorate and remain ready to take quick action should the storm shift course and increase its threat.

Residents of the Southeast Bahamas should remain indoors during the passage of feeder bands which can produce heavy downpours and strong, gusty winds.