Coast Guard prepared for worst of Hurricane Earl

NEWBURYPORT (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - They are reminded every hour, on the hour, of what lies ahead. When the weather is at its worst, Coast Station Merrimack in Newburyport has to be at its best.

It’s one of only 20 coast guard surf stations in the country, meaning they specialize in bad weather and big waves.

The main concern for the station is the area where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The north shore is expected to be spared the worst of Hurricane Earl, but spared may be a relative term.

With so much advance warning, the Coast Guard hopes people will keep boats tied up. Regardless, they say they are ready and waiting for whatever Earl may bring.