Motorists head north along Route 12 as they evacuate from Hatteras Island, North Carolina as Hurricane Earl approaches September 1, 2010. Looming Hurricane Earl forced vacationers and some residents off North Carolina's barrier islands on Wednesday, churning up dangerous swells and prompting storm alerts along the U.S. east coast. REUTERS/Richard Clement (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENVIRONMENT)
Hotel engineer Dennis Spake boards up windows at a building during the approach of Hurricane Earl in Buxton on Cape Hatteras, North Carolina September 1, 2010. REUTERS/Richard Clement (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENVIRONMENT)
Surfers take advantage of rising swells during the approach of Hurricane Earl near Rodanthe on Cape Hatteras, North Carolina September 1, 2010. North Carolina's Dare County ordered the mandatory evacuation of all visitors from Hatteras Island, a popular picturesque vacation spot that draws large numbers of tourists each year. Officials said high waves striking the island could wash over the costal highway, impeding safe travel. REUTERS/Richard Clement (UNITED STATES - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT)