With Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and soon the East Coast in its reach, Hurricane Earl prompted warnings for those areas from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Monday.

While there are currently no hurricane watches or warnings for the U.S. mainland, FEMA urged residents to be prepared for severe weather as projections show the storm could affect states up and down the East Coast, the agency said.

Earl strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane Monday, with sustained winds of up to 135 mph (215 kph). The hurricane was veering away from the U.S. Virgin Islands, but severe weather was expected there and in Puerto Rico.

An iReport video submitted to CNN by Khareem Cabey of Bassaterre on St. Kitts, showed strong winds blowing strongly enough to make small palm trees in a backyard bend in unison like dancers, as sprays of water crashed into roofs of neighboring houses. The storm knocked fences over and filled yards with debris.

“Hurricane Earl should serve as a reminder to all of us of the importance of being prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said.

The public can visit the website Ready.gov to learn how to prepare for a hurricane, he said. Steps to take include developing a family communications plan, putting together a kit with 72 hours of food and water and staying informed of risks in the area, FEMA said.

(Read More: CNN)