SOUTH JERSEY - Rain along the New Jersey coastline is easing up as Hurricane Earl heads north towards New England.

Earl was downgraded to a Category 1 storm today. The move prompted officials in Cape May County to rescind an emergency proclamation declaring the county a disaster area.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard suspended its search for a 20-year-old man who went missing while swimming off the coast of Belmar Thursday.

The Coast Guard suspended its search at 12:17 p.m. after searching approximately 30 square miles for approximately 6 hours.

The storm was still delighting New Jersey surfers with huge waves, and swimmers and surfers are still cautioned about strong rip tides and rough surf.

It's been nearly 200 years since a hurricane scored a direct hit on New Jersey _ a streak that will continue.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.