Connecticut prepares for Hurricane Earl

Connecticut officials are closing shoreline campgrounds and dismissing schools early as Hurricane Earl is expected to bring heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 mph to the state, The Associated Press reports.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell says she's also asked President Barack Obama to issue a "pre-landfall" declaration of emergency before Earl's expected arrival Friday evening to try to secure federal aid for public safety measures.

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch from New Haven east to Westport, Mass.

State officials are closing seven campgrounds from noon Friday to noon Saturday, including those at Hammonasset Beach and Rocky Neck state parks.

Local TV news reports say several shoreline towns have early school dismissals, including New London, Groton and Stonington.