Hurricane Earl dropped in strength, then regained it, gathering wind speeds up to 140 mph as it inched closed to the Eastern United States. Currently a Category Four hurricane, Earl could get to Category Five (155 mph and higher) if it continues to strengthen.

President Obama has declared an emergency, with FEMA and the US Department of Homeland Security now coordinating disaster management and relief with state and local governments. The governors of North Carolina, Virginia, an Maryland have declared emergencies, with Virginia governor Bob McDonnell activating the National Guard and sending troops to Chesapeake Bay.

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The hurricane is expected to skirt across the edge of the Carolinas and move up the coast. Consequently, hurricane warnings are active all the up the coast to Canada.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued to the Islands of North Carolina, with tens of thousands of residents and vacationers scrambling to safety in the mainland.

While nothing is certain, all signs point to a major impact along the East Coast, from North Carolina all the way to Nova Scotia.

FEMA, the Red Cross, and local and state disaster management authorities are ready. The question is, are you?