Hurricane Earl (Update 3): With Earl, Fiona and Gaston, hurricane season heats up

Hurricane Earl has been upgraded to Category four, with sustained winds of 140 mph.

In the last two weeks, it seems as though the tropics have exploded: Hurricane Earl, big, scary and steaming toward North Carolina and a string of states. Tropical Storm Fiona, nearing hurricane strength but heading into hostile conditions and out to sea.

Add the latest wave to roll off Africa, which got itself together enough Wednesday to quickly move from Depression No. 9 to Tropical Storm Gaston.

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