Published September 1, 2010

Massachusetts, Earl. Earl, Massachusetts.

Update: The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch from Woods Hole to Sagamore Beach, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (not a warning, mind you).

Confused by all the misinformation about Hurricane Earl swirling around, Radio Boston brought on a proper meteorologist today to help explain what, if anything, will happen this weekend. At its best, Earl will be a weekend ruiner for folks on the Cape and islands. At its worst, Earl could cause serious damage — although that’s unlikely.

Universal Hub has deemed the potential threat serious enough to raise the French Toast Alert Level to Yellow — a system normally reserved for snowstorms but dusted off today for the tropical weather. In case you’re not familiar with the system:

The French Toast Alert System has been developed in consultation with local and federal emergency officials to help you determine when to panic and rush to the store to buy milk, eggs and bread.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is circulating a missive about hurricane terminology, including the difference between tropical cyclone, depression and storm, among other terms. IT IS ACTUALLY PRETTY INTERESTING IF YOU CAN TOLERATE ALL CAPS.

NECN meteorologist Matt Noyes blogs some preparation tips for people in vulnerable areas, which are especially useful for boat owners.

Hey, every cloud has a silver lining: Earl will break the heat wave.