New London - Mitchell College will be closed today in anticipation of severe weather that Hurricane Earl is expected to bring to the region.

The school said that classes are canceled and all business offices will be closed.

Only essential personnel are asked to come in.

Students who have family in the region are encouraged to go home.

On-campus students will be provided alternate campus accommodations, if needed, and food services will be available as well.

The National Weather Service said that Earl will pass by southeastern Connecticut about 150 miles off the southern tip of Long Island.

A tropical storm watch is in effect, meaning that wind gusts could reach 40 to 60 mph.

Heavy rain is expected this afternoon.

The New London area could receive as much as 2 inches of rain.