Obama declares emergency, OKs federal agencies to help respond to Hurricane Earl

Washington: US President Barack Obama says an emergency exists in North Carolina and has ordered federal agencies to help state and local officials with handling any problems caused by Hurricane Earl.

The president's action Wednesday authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Specifically, FEMA can mobilize equipment and other resources.

Forecasters say Hurricane Earl's winds gusted to about 140 mph (225 kph) as it steams toward the Eastern Seaboard.

Communities all along the East Coast are keeping a close eye on the storm and several states have already declared emergencies.