Bethany Beach remains closed (Fri., Sept. 3, 2010) to all beach related activities (swimming, fishing, etc.) until conditions improve.

While no longer a hurricane watch for the area, the coastal area is still currently under a tropical storm warning. According to officials, at present Hurricane Earl, now a Cat 2 hurricane, is located near Cape Hatteras, NC and continues to track northeast. Maximum sustained winds are now at 105mph.

Officials say it is expected to pass approximately 200 miles off the coast later this morning (Fri.) or early afternoon. This track, a little further to the east than originally predicted, is favorable to the Bethany Beach area.

Officials predict that sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts of possibly 50 mph and 1 to 2 inches of rain will still likely occur in our area. Lesser rainfall and lower wind speeds can be expected inland. Tropical force winds will advance into the area later this morning. Some minor tidal flooding is still predicted. Bethany Beach remains closed until conditions improve.

Despite a predicted closest proximity to the Delaware coast of some 170 miles, the storm was expected to strongly impact the area’s seas, with 15-foot waves well off the coast and 4- to 7-foot waves and deadly rip currents in the surf zone. As of mid-day Wednesday, buoy indicators reflected that swells were already starting to increase and the effects of Earl beginning to be felt.