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Title: Keeping Tabs on Hurricane Earl
News:
by Mike Krumboltz

Hurricane Earl and Tropical Storm Fiona have some people worried. Web searches on "hurricane earl tracker" have soared an astounding 1,505% in the past 24 hours. Related lookups on "hurricane earl path" are up 408% and "hurricane earl forecast" searches have spiked 725%.

Clearly, people are concerned that they might be in the storm's path. Fortunately, there are a variety of online resources to help folks follow the hurricane, monitor its strength, and prepare for any worst-case scenarios. 

Follow its path
The Weather Channel offers constant updates, and an easy-to-read map on Earl's projected path. Keep in mind that this is subject to change, so check back often.

The National Weather Service, a government-run site, is another excellent resource. As on Weather.com, the maps here are updated as quickly as news warrants. Visitors can also check out the glossary of disaster terms if, for example, they want to know the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon.

Monitor its strength
It's hard to beat the National Weather Service here. The site lists hurricane wind speed probabilities for up to 120 hours out. There is also a chart of probable maximum one-minute wind speeds.

Want a closer look at Earl's strength and path? Stormpulse offers larger, and perhaps easier-to-follow, maps. 

Be prepared
In the several days since Earl became a very real threat to those on the East Coast, Web searches on "hurricane preparedness" have soared nearly 200%. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers tips and guidelines on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

FEMA.gov also hosts a section on how to prevent hurricanes from causing excessive damage to your property. And the agency has a handy chart on how to respond in the event of an evacuation.

Rule number one: Keep a full tank of gas in your car if you think a hurricane is likely. Gas stations shut down during storms.

How hurricanes are named
Hurricanes are given regular-sounding names so they'll be easy for people to identify and follow. FEMA explains that "the World Meteorological Organization uses six lists in rotation. The same lists are reused every six years." When a storm is particularly deadly, as was the case with 2005's Katrina, the name is retired. Katia replaced Katrina.

For a list of all the possible hurricane names for both the Atlantic and North Pacific, check out the National Hurricane Center.

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