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Hurricane Earl weakened to a Category 3 storm overnight even as thousands of residents and tourists prepared to evacuate from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Associated Press reported. more evacuations along the Eastern Seaboard could follow, depending on the path taken by the storm. It’s still too early to tell where Earl will land, but even if the hurricane stays well offshore, rough surf and dangerous rip currents can be expected.

September is historically the worst month of the Atlantic hurricane season, USA Today reported. From 1851 to 2006, September was the top storm-producing month, with 459 storms, followed by August with 344 and October with 280. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted eight to 12 storms could become named hurricanes this season, with four to six reaching major hurricane status (111 mph or more).September is also National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to encourage individuals, businesses and communities to prepare for emergencies. Ready.gov, a Website produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers tips on how to handle disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. All Americans are encouraged to prepare for emergency situations by creating a basic emergency supply kit. Recommended items include:* water* non-perishable food* a first aid kit* a can opener* a cell phone* a flashlight with extra batteries * a battery-powered radio* a list of emergency contacts Depending on your situation, the site also suggests keeping the following items on hand: * prescription medications* baby food and diapers* pet food and extra water* important papers (insurance, wills, passports, etc.)* matches* a fire extinguisher* a complete change of clothing* cash”National Preparedness Month is a great way to get Americans and our communities and businesses to come together in planning and preparing for a disaster,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. “Disasters can hit any place, any time, so it’s essential that we take concrete steps together, now, to ensure a better response later.”

What happened overnightPakistani air raids targeting militant hideouts near the Afghan border killed up to 60 people identified by security officials as insurgents and their family members, The AP reported. Vehicles rigged with explosives were also destroyed.a Swedish prosecutor reopened the rape investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, The AP reported. Assange denied the allegations and suggested they were part of a smear campaign in retaliation for his whistle-blowing Website publishing thousands of leaked documents about U.S. military activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.Lastly, the dolphin hunt featured in the Academy Award-winning eco-documentary “The Cove” began in Japan today. According to AFP, the annual event involves the herding of about 2,000 dolphins in a secluded bay where they are harpooned for meat.

Public opinionToday’s poll: what types of charities do you support? Click here to share your thoughts.Tuesday’s poll: Health officials are urging all Americans to get a flu shot this year. the new vaccine promises protection against the swine flu strain plus two other kinds of influenza. Do you plan to get inoculated? Forty-nine percent said no, 44 percent chose yes and 7 percent voted maybe.

Looking aheadPresident Barack Obama will hold separate meetings today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Today in historyIn 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.Birthdays* Football player Clinton Portis, 29.* Actor Scott Speedman, 35.* Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira, 39.* TV host Padma Lakshmi, 40.* Basketball player Tim Hardaway, 44.* Dee Dee Myers, former White House Press Secretary, 49.* Singer Gloria Estefan, 53.* Fitness guru Billy Blanks, 55.* Talk show host Phil McGraw, 60.* Singer Barry Gibb (The Bee Gees), 64.* Author C.J. Cherryh, 68.* Comedian Lily Tomlin, 71.* Attorney Alan Dershowitz, 72.* Former Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird, 88.Notable deaths * Musician R.L. Burnside died in 2005 at the age of 78.* Voiceover artist Don LaFontaine died in 2008 at the age of 68.* Musician Jerry Reed died in 2008 at the age of 71.

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Quote of the day “Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.” –James F. Byrnes

–Jade Walker is the overnight editor of Yahoo! News. She can be reached by e-mail at .

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