Hurricane Earl is on course to make an unwelcome visit to New England.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, the tropical storm watch for coastal Fairfield County had been canceled with Hurricane Earl off the coast of Maryland, moving up the East Coast. The Category 1 storm was predicted to bring rain to Connecticut by the afternoon and into the evening. Winds of 10 to 20 mph are possible.

But the holiday weekend won't be ruined. Saturday, Sunday and Monday are predicted to be sunny and breezy with high temperatures in the 70s.

But local town agencies are ready for the worst, just in case. "We're pretty much prepared now," Fire Department Assistant Chief Art Reid said. "We're in a wait-and-see mode, to see where the storm's headed."

Reid said Fairfield's emergency responders have been in "constant contact" with the state, and the town department heads met Thursday to coordinate plans. He's also checked with the Red Cross and the Community Emergency Response Team to ensure evacuation plans are ready.

The Fairfield Police said the Marine Unit will be out all day Friday in case boat owners need help. They ask boaters to check their lines and bilge pumps, and have batteries and trailers ready in case of an evacuation. "The prevention of any unnecessary responses to overturned vessels during the storm is paramount to emergency personnel," Sgt. Suzanne Lussier said in a statement.

For residents, Reid suggested checking the town's website for more information. Local media outlets will broadcast the latest emergency information, and the town's Reverse 9-1-1 system will be operational. And the latest updates will be available through the town's storm hotline at (203) 254-4899.

"Most importantly, do what we tell you to do," Reid said. "If an evacuation is called, get to a shelter as soon as possible."