Tropical storm watch issued for Conn.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for Connecticut.

The agency said in a warning issued Wednesday evening that residents should prepare for the possibility of at least damaging winds hitting an area that includes southern Connecticut, the state's coastal waters and Long Island sound.

The warning covers the areas of Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, southern Fairfield, southern Middlesex, southern New Haven, southern New London, Washington and Westchester.

Earl is expected to reach the North Carolina coast late Thursday and turn northeast, staying offshore as it moves up the East Coast. But forecasters say it could move in closer.

On Wednesday evening, Earl was a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds of 135 mph, but is expected to weaken as it moves north.

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Sept. 1 marks the first day of National Preparedness Month.