MIAMI, Aug 29, 2010 (AFP) - Tropical Storm Earl on the eastern fringe of the Caribbean strengthened to a Category One hurricane status, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Sunday. At 1230 GMT Hurricane Earl was packing winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said. The eye of Earl was located about 365 miles (585 kilometers) east of the Northern Leeward Islands heading west at 18 miles (30 km) per hour. A tropical storm watch was already in effect for several eastern Caribbean islands including Saint Martin, Antigua, Barbuda and Montserrat. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion" in the warning area, the NHC said.
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