EMA continues to prep for Earl

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency held a press briefing on the preparations of Hurricane Earl .

Governor Don Carcieri, Rhode Island National Guard, State Police and other state officials were also on hand to discuss the pending storm.

• Track Earl live

Governor Carcieri said "You need to be prepared now ...if there's any change [in the forecast], we'll have very little time to react."

Officials say they are expecting 40-50 mph winds, and 2-4 inches of rain in a short period of time.

At this point, schools are still expected to open and residents should plan on going to work on Friday - unless there is a change in the weather pattern.

All state beaches will be closed on Friday, and the Block Island Ferry service will not be available.

• Click here for more on Block Island storm preps

The EMA will hold another press conference later in the afternoon Thursday.