Image: NASA/GOES project

Hurricane Earl lost some strength overnight and was downgraded to a Category 3 storm, but is still a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 MPH extending outward 90 miles from the center. The last reported minimum central pressure is 943 MB.

NOAA: "A hurricane watch is in effect for north of Surf City North Carolina to Parramore Island Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Interests elsewhere from Virginia northward to New England should monitor the progress of Earl."

According to news reports, mandatory evacuations have been ordered for North Carolina's Outer Banks.

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Hurricane Earl is picking up strength and could become a Category 4 storm again later today. The watch for NC coastal areas has been upgraded to a warning and a watch has been issued for Virginia northward to Delaware.