NC DOT will collect Earl-related debris

BUXTON, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina's Department of Transportation will pick up debris left behind by Hurricane Earl along state-maintained highways in a coastal county for four days.

The DOT says debris will be picked up Tuesday through Friday in Dare County.

Workers will pick up storm-related debris such as trees and limbs that are left on the highway right-of-way. Workers won't dispose of construction, demolition or hazardous materials or appliances.

Earl hit North Carolina just before the Labor Day weekend with sustained winds of up to 59 mph and gusts of up to 82 mph, although the eye of the storm stayed offshore. Tens of thousands of residents and tourists were urged to leave the Outer Banks ahead of the storm, which caused minor damage and brief power outages.