The stunning coastline along Long Island Sound is the reason why many brides choose to get married along the water at Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook, but Hurricane Earl may mean a slight change in plans for the half dozen weddings planned at the resort over Labor Day weekend.
 
Director of Operations David Zarella says the weddings will go on, although possibly in a ballroom instead of on the beach.
"The wedding coordinators already briefed them," Zarrella said. "We always have a back-up plan inside, so really this weekend is normal for us."

Resort staff aren't the only ones watching Earl's track closely.

Local emergency officials from cities and towns across Connecticut got updates from Governor Jodi Rell and the state's top Emergency Management officials during a conference call Tuesday at the National Guard Armory.

"If this storm, as it approaches, changes its course, then we'll have less time to react which is why we are doing the preparations now," said Commissioner of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Peter Boynton.

Depending on Earl's track, southeastern Connecticut will feel the biggest impact compared to other parts of the state. There's a 30 to 40 percent chance beachgoers and boaters could feel tropical storm wind gusts starting late Friday.

That's why Paul Anthony of Enfield was taking his boat out of the water at a Waterford marina Tuesday.

"Oh yeah, I'm going to take my boat home and I'm not gonna leave it down here. You never know what's going to happen," Anthony said.

Mystic Seaport, a popular tourist attraction, already has an action plan if Earl comes closer.

"We have more than 500 vessels to take care of, and close to two million objects to take care of, so the safety of staff, objects and vessels is our first priority," said Seaport spokesperson Michael O'Farrell.

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