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An early finish for emergency officials, crews

WBZ's Bernice Corpuz has the latest from MEMA headquarters in Framingham.

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The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is ending its response to Hurricane Earl early, because damage was less extensive than originally predicted.

MEMA spokesperson Peter Judge says damage was so minimal on Cape Cod and the islands that the agency didn't send out assessment teams as planned Saturday morning.

"There's nothing to assess at this point," he said. "It wasn't even a really bad rainstorm."

Judge said power outages peaked at about 1,800 but were down to 600 early Saturday and were being quickly restored. He said the state shut down its emergency management center as of 7 a.m. Saturday.

"We feel very fortunate that we're not dealing with major issues this morning," he said. "Hopefully, people will be able to enjoy the weekend."

But officials also warned people to still be careful in the water, and to swim only in areas where lifeguards are present.  Rip currents may still be strong throughout the weekend.

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