Ocean City, Md., Dodges Brunt of Earl

OCEAN CITY, Md. - Heavier winds and rain pelted Ocean City as Hurricane Earl approached the mid-Atlantic coast, but the storm was expected to leave the popular beach resort relatively unscathed.

Scores of vacationers ventured out early Friday afternoon to take pictures of wind-whipped waves as high as 10 feet crashing onto the beach amid a light but steady rain. Officials reported wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, but no significant precipitation was expected.

City crews began hanging up beach volleyball nets in expectation of clearing conditions later Friday, but officials warned that rip currents would make swimming dangerous at least through Sunday.

A beach patrol spokesman said people were being allowed to walk on the beach Friday, but that all ocean activity was prohibited.