Hurricane Earl was downgraded from a Category 4 to a Category 3 storm as of 2 p.m., but still carrying a powerful punch. As it moves north the storm will be over slightly cooler water.

Earl is expected to make a glancing blow at the Outer Banks late tonight and another glancing blow at Cape Cod early Saturday. Later Saturday it is expected to plow into Nova Scotia as a Category 1 hurricane.

The projected path is well out to sea except for the Outer Banks and Cape Cod. Still, Earl will stir up heavy surf and perhaps a storm surge as it passes up the coast. Authorities warn against swimming or surfing.

There is also a slight chance the storm could deviate from its anticipated path and move inland. Keep a weather eye out for this storm in the next 36 hours.