Block Island braces for Earl

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WPRI) - Preparations were well underway on Block Island Thursday, as Hurricane Earl threatened to lash the island on Friday.

There was a range of anxiety among veteran boaters at Payne's Dock, as they worked to secure their vessels ahead of the storm.

"I'd like to have somebody build up a little confidence in me, " said boat owner Perley Gagnon. "I'm scared."

Others were taking Earl in stride.

"It's just a hurricane," said boat owner Jim Gallerani. "If it is a category two or three we have no issue. If it's stronger, then we have a problem."

Block Island, along with the rest of Rhode Island, were under a tropical storm warning.

During an news conference at the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Thursday afternoon,  EMA Executive Director J. David Smith said emergency officials on Block Island were well prepared for whatever Earl may bring.

However, he added the island could experience hurricane-force gusts from Earl. Ferry service to and from the island would likely be canceled Friday, Smith said. He expected about 5,000 people would remain on the island during the storm.

One person told Eyewitness News she was planning to leave Block Island, saying anyone who was not taking Earl seriously had never been through a real hurricane.