 The threat from Earl prompted a tropical storm watch in the Bahamas and later Bermuda , while a coastal flood watch was issued in Florida . Because Earl remained offshore , impact was generally minor . Throughout Florida , Earl spawned 11 tornadoes and brought moderately heavy rainfall , peaking at 9 @.@ 38 inches ( 238 mm ) near Canal Point , Florida . In addition , light amounts of precipitation were also reported in Georgia and North Carolina . Above normal tides washed away 30 to 35 ft ( 9 @.@ 1 to 10 @.@ 7 m ) of beaches , and lifeguards on St. Augustine Beach made eight rescues . 
