While Hurricane Earl may not be as strong, its still packs a punch. Local beaches are on high alert for the hurricane aftermath: high surf and deadly rip currents.

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Ocean City police ordered people off the beach as the first strong winds from Hurricane Earl began to batter the Maryland coast.

"I don't think it's bad that we were watching it right now, but when they say its gonna get bad then we probably should get off the beach, i mean if they say its bad then its gonna be bad," said David Gallagher, tourist.

While businesses are certainly hoping Earl heeds this request and makes a right turn away from land, the gates in the seawall are closed along the boardwalk. But that's not stopping people from getting close to the raging surf. Some women even went into the water, despite warnings of potentially deadly rip currents.

"I've been caught out in the riptide before I'd never go out too deep," said Samantha Klein, Ocean City resident.

Others were out very early Friday morning to watch the coming storm.

"We want to watch the waves until they get closer to the wall then we'll go to the condo," said Donna Osenbach, Burke's County resident.

"I'm just gonna stay here until it gets really, really bad and then I'll go inside," said Marita Mike, Ocean City resident.

The town's emergency operation center is open as the Delmarva Peninsula braces for Earl's morning arrival.

"Life safety is the number one priority, use common sense, be safe, the storm will pass and the sun will shine in Ocean City tomorrow," said Joe Theobald, Director of Emergency Services.

As the waves continue to pound the Maryland coast line, swimming has been suspended Friday and will likely be restricted through this weekend due to the dangerous rip currents.