Video from GOES Satellite of Irene's Path

Here's a cool video from a GOES satellite that watched Irene come onto the East Coast.

Hurricane Irene Total Rainfall (August 27, 28)

August 27 Reported Rainfall

August 28 Reported Rainfall

Breaking: One Death Reported from Irene

One death has been reported by CNN from Hurricane Irene.
The man was in North Carolina boarding up his windows when he suffered a heart attack.
Stay safe and take breaks when working in strenuous environments.

Observation from New Bern, North Carolina during Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene Storm Total Rainfall (As of 10:30 AM CDT August 27)

Cities are listed on radar images.

11:00 PM CDT August 26 Irene Briefing

Evening everyone. I am finally back to my computer, and it looks like Irene is taking on a northeast movement. Visible satellite imagery is indicating that Irene is moving in that direction. Additionally, there may be pockets of dry air in the center of circulation (Irene does not have an eye at this time) that could be slowing Irene's strengthening down. We will keep you updated.

New York Region Evacuations (August 26)

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR LONG BEACH ISLAND.



MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF ATLANTIC

COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR BERKELEY TOWNSHIP IN OCEAN

COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF

LOCAL OFFICIALS WHEN EVACUATIONS ARE ORDERED.

I'm watching Irene at this time, and it looks like she is moving directly north, indicating she could be making the GFS forecast track (inland just west of OBX). I do believe her eye is being hit by some obstacles, but based on historical information and current imagery, I am anticipating Irene to have a window of opportunity to strengthen a bit in the next 24 hours. As soon as it makes landfall in NC, Irene should begin a weakening phase, hitting New York at a strong Category 1 hurricane at best.

Greyhound cancels some routes in preparation for Irene

http://www.greyhound.com/en/servicealerts.aspx

Click above for all Greyhound Service Alerts.

Projected 5 day Hurricane Irene Rainfall

Hurricane Warning Issued for New York, NY in advance of Hurricane Irene

.STORM INFORMATION...

AT 2 PM EDT...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR

LATITUDE 31.2N...LONGITUDE 77.5W. THIS WAS ABOUT 590 MILES

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF ATLANTIC CITY NJ...OR ABOUT 560 MILES

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF DOVER DE. STORM MOTION WAS N OR 360 DEGREES AT

14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 100 MPH.



.SITUATION OVERVIEW...

DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH NORTHEAST

THROUGH SUNDAY, WHICH BRINGS THE CENTER VERY NEAR THE NEW JERSEY

AND DELAWARE COASTS SUNDAY. THE STORM WILL BRING DAMAGING WINDS,

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL RESULTING IN DANGEROUS FLOODING OF CREEKS,

STREAMS AND RIVERS, AND COASTAL FLOODING. THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL

ANTICIPATED IS 6 TO 12 INCHES. WHEN MAKING DECISIONS, DO NOT FOCUS

ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK AS THIS HURRICANE IS A LARGE STORM.

THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION, THEREFORE EVERYONE IS

URGED COMPLETE THEIR PREPARATIONS TODAY.



MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR CAPE MAY COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR LONG BEACH ISLAND.



MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF ATLANTIC

COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



VOLUNTARY EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR BERKELEY TOWNSHIP IN OCEAN

COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF

LOCAL OFFICIALS WHEN EVACUATIONS ARE ORDERED.



.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...



FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING, NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETE PREPARATIONS

FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF DIRECTED TO

DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS, OR IF YOUR HOME IS VULNERABLE TO HIGH

WINDS OR FLOODING. PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES THAT COULD POTENTIALLY

LAST LONG PERIODS OF TIME... AND MAKE SURE THAT YOUR VEHICLE HAS A

FULL TANK OF FUEL.



FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS, DOCKS AND MARINAS, URGENTLY COMPLETE

PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT, MAKE FINAL

PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE TO

ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS. SMALL

CRAFT SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.



FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH, CONTINUE WITH YOUR PREPARATIONS AND

LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS.



CLOSELY MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS

FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES TO

THE FORECAST.



FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION,

PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR

LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER

SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

Long Island, New York under Hurricane Watch for Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Watch

HURRICANE IRENE LOCAL STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY

245 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011



...DANGEROUS HURRICANE IRENE TO IMPACT THE REGION SATURDAY NIGHT

INTO SUNDAY NIGHT...



.NEW INFORMATION...

UPDATED WIND AND RAINFALL INFORMATION.



.AREAS AFFECTED...

THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT

LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...

NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY...SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT

COASTAL WATERS.



.WATCHES/WARNINGS...

A HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...

NORTHERN FAIRFIELD...NORTHERN NEW HAVEN...NORTHERN MIDDLESEX...

NORTHERN NEW LONDON...SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD...SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN...

SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX...SOUTHERN NEW LONDON...EASTERN PASSAIC...

HUDSON...WESTERN BERGEN...EASTERN BERGEN...WESTERN ESSEX...

EASTERN ESSEX...WESTERN UNION...EASTERN UNION...PUTNAM...

ROCKLAND...NORTHERN WESTCHESTER...SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER...NEW YORK

(MANHATTAN)...BRONX...RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)...KINGS

(BROOKLYN)...NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK...NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK...

SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK...SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK...NORTHERN QUEENS...

NORTHERN NASSAU...SOUTHERN QUEENS AND SOUTHERN NASSAU.



FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A HURRICANE WATCH CONTINUES FOR ALL OF

LONG ISLAND AND CONNECTICUT COASTAL WATERS AND NEW YORK HARBOR.



A TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...

WESTERN PASSAIC...ORANGE.



A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...

NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT. PLEASE LISTEN

CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR

AREA.



PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST PUBLIC AND MARINE FORECASTS FOR DETAILED

INFORMATION ABOUT ADDITIONAL HAZARDS.



.STORM INFORMATION...

AT 2 PM EDT...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IRENE WAS LOCATED NEAR

LATITUDE 31.2N...LONGITUDE 77.5W. THIS WAS ABOUT 690 MILES

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF NEW YORK CITY NY...OR ABOUT 750 MILES

SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF MONTAUK POINT NY. STORM MOTION WAS N OR

360 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM INTENSITY WAS 100 MPH.



.SITUATION OVERVIEW...

HURRICANE IRENE IS FORECAST TO TRACK NORTH ALONG THE EASTERN

SEABOARD OVER THE NEXT 48 HOURS...WITH THE OUTER BANDS FROM IRENE

LIKELY BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE AREA SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO

SATURDAY EVENING. CONDITIONS ARE THEN LIKELY TO RAPIDLY

DETERIORATE IN TORRENTIAL RAIN AND STRENGTHENING WINDS SATURDAY

NIGHT. THE WORST CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO

SUNDAY AFTERNOON...WITH INCREASING POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING

WINDS...FLOODING RAINS...AND SIGNIFICANT COASTAL FLOODING.



WHEN MAKING DECISIONS...DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST

TRACK...AS THE IMPACTS OF THE HURRICANE WILL BE FELT OVER A LARGE

AREA DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE STORM.



IT IS TOO EARLY TO PROVIDE EXACT WIND AND SURGE FORECAST VALUES

FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS. HOWEVER...DEPENDING ON THE EXACT

TRACK...INTENSITY AND TIMING OF THE HURRICANE...THERE IS POTENTIAL

FOR MODERATE TO MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING DAMAGE IF THE GREATEST

SURGE COINCIDES WITH THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDES ON SUNDAY.

THIS SURGE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE...DESTRUCTIVE...AND LIFE

THREATENING WAVES.



THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR 6 TO 12 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALLY

HIGHER AMOUNTS. BASED ON RECENT HEAVY RAINS...IF THESE RAINFALL

AMOUNTS OCCUR...MODERATE TO MAJOR RIVER FLOODING IS LIKELY.

SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE FLOODING WILL

ALSO BE AN ISSUE. AS A RESULT A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT.



A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF AT LEAST

DAMAGING WINDS ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK...NORTHEASTERN NEW

JERSEY AND SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT.



.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...



FOR THOSE UNDER A WATCH...NOW IS THE TIME TO BEGIN PREPARING YOUR

HOME OR BUSINESS ACCORDING TO YOUR HURRICANE DISASTER PLAN.

LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS AND BE READY TO EVACUATE IF

NECESSARY. HEED THE ADVICE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMPLY WITH ANY

ORDERS THAT ARE ISSUED.



FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS...DOCKS...AND MARINAS...IT IS RECOMMENDED

THAT YOU PERFORM THE PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR

HURRICANE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT...

BEGIN TO SAFELY SECURE YOUR CRAFT AND MAKE PLANS TO LEAVE IT FOR

ADEQUATE LAND BASED SHELTER. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS.



REGARDING THE COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WATCH...SMALL CRAFT SHOULD

RETURN TO PORT OR SEEK SAFE HARBOR.



CLOSELY MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL NEWS OUTLETS

FOR OFFICIAL STORM INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES TO

THE FORECAST.



FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION...

PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR

LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER

SERVICE OFFICE AND YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.



&&



.NEXT UPDATE...

THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER

SERVICE IN UPTON AROUND 630 PM...OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.



CTZ005>012-NJZ004-006-103>108-NYZ068>075-078>081-176>179-271845-

/O.CON.KOKX.HU.A.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/

NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-

NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-

SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-

WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-

WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-

SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-

RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-

NORTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHWESTERN SUFFOLK-SOUTHEASTERN SUFFOLK-

NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-SOUTHERN NASSAU-

245 PM EDT FRI AUG 26 2011



...HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT...



...PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...



STAY CALM AND KEEP INFORMED. COMPLY WITH ANY EVACUATION ORDERS

THAT ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA. IF YOUR HOME IS VULNERABLE TO HIGH

WINDS...OR YOU LIVE IN A SURGE ZONE OR ANY LOCATION PRONE TO

FLOODING...EVACUATE TO A DESIGNATED SHELTER OR RIDE OUT THE STORM

IN THE STURDY HOME OF FAMILY OR FRIENDS OUTSIDE OF EVACUATION

ZONES.



ITEMS TO BRING TO A SHELTER INCLUDE A FIRST AID KIT...MEDICINES

AND PRESCRIPTIONS...BABY FOOD AND DIAPERS...GAMES AND BOOKS...

TOILETRIES...A BATTERY POWERED RADIO...A CELL PHONE...FLASHLIGHTS

WITH EXTRA BATTERIES...A BLANKET OR SLEEPING BAG FOR EACH

PERSON...PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION...COPIES OF KEY PAPERS SUCH AS

INSURANCE POLICIES...AVAILABLE CASH AND CREDIT CARDS. REMEMBER...

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MOST PUBLIC SHELTERS...SO CHECK AHEAD

WITH YOUR INTENDED SHELTER.



REGARDING YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS...COVER ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS

WITH SHUTTERS OR PLYWOOD. MOVE PATIO FURNITURE AND OTHER LOOSE

OBJECTS INDOORS. BRACE ALL EXTERIOR DOORS...INCLUDING GARAGE

DOORS. DO THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.



IF YOU NEED TO MAKE A TRIP TO THE HARDWARE STORE...THE GROCERY

STORE...OR THE GAS STATION...DO SO AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.



&&



...PROBABILITY OF TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE CONDITIONS...

THE CHANCE FOR HURRICANE CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME IS LESS THAN OR

EQUAL TO 8 PERCENT. ALSO...THE CHANCE FOR TROPICAL STORM

CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME IS UP TO 65 PERCENT. THE ONSET OF

TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS COULD START AS EARLY AS SATURDAY

NIGHT...WITH HURRICANE CONDITIONS POSSIBLE BY SUNDAY MORNING.



...WINDS...

AS HURRICANE IRENE MOVES CLOSER...THE THREAT FOR SUSTAINED HIGH

WINDS IS LIKELY TO INCREASE. THE LATEST FORECAST IS FOR STRONG

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS FROM SUNDAY MORNING TO EARLY SUNDAY

EVENING...AND POSSIBLE HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ON SUNDAY.

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ARE CURRENTLY FORECAST TO BEGIN

AFFECTING THE AREA SATURDAY NIGHT. A GENERAL CONCERN SHOULD BE FOR

THE POSSIBILITY OF AT LEAST DAMAGING WINDS SOMEWHERE WITHIN

THE AREA.



...STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE...

IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO DETERMINE THE EXACT HEIGHTS OF COMBINED

STORM SURGE AND TIDE WATERS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE

FORECAST AREA TO BE CAUSED BY HURRICANE IRENE. MUCH DEPENDS ON THE

PRECISE SIZE...INTENSITY AND TRACK OF THE SYSTEM AS IT APPROACHES

THE COAST. BASED ON THE FORECAST TRACK OF IRENE THERE IS POTENTIAL

FOR SEVERAL FEET OF SURGE...PARTICULARLY IN WESTERN LONG ISLAND

SOUND...NEW YORK HARBOR...LONG ISLAND SOUND...AND THE SOUTH SHORE

BACK BAYS OF LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY. THESE TIDAL CONDITIONS

WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE...DESTRUCTIVE...AND LIFE

THREATENING WAVES.



...INLAND FLOODING...

A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. RAINFALL AMOUNTS

OF 6 TO 12 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED.

SEE THE LATEST FORECAST FOR LATEST INFORMATION. LISTEN FOR

POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS FOR YOUR LOCATION...AND BE READY TO ACT IF

FLOODING RAINS OCCUR.



...COASTAL HAZARDS...

INCREASINGLY LARGE SWELLS ARRIVING FROM HURRICANE IRENE WILL

CREATE HIGH SURF AND SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION ALONG THE ATLANTIC

FACING COASTLINE AS EARLY AS SATURDAY AND CONTINUING INTO MONDAY.

SIGNIFICANT BEACH EROSION IS ALSO POSSIBLE ALONG THE COASTLINE OF

LONG ISLAND SOUND AND PECONIC AND GARDINERS BAYS DUE TO THE

BATTERING SURF.



...RIP CURRENTS...

THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING RIP

CURRENTS.

Dry Air Band Wrapping into Irene, Should Prohibit Further Strengthening (August 26)

This is a water vapor image of Irene, the latest at the time of posting. You can see how much moisture there is in Irene. But do you see that gray band wrapping westward into Irene? That is a band of dry air. It may prohibit Irene from strengthening further. The dry air band is indeed cutting off the arm of storms from the core of Irene. I would think that this arm of storms would dissipate as it will no longer be connected to the centre of Irene, but with moisture everywhere, it could go by itself. We aren't entirely sure yet.

Storm Surge Irene Probabilities as of 3:30 PM August 26

Hurricane Irene to reach Carolinas today

METD WEATHER

AKSHAY DEORAS

SEVERE WEATHER FORECASTER

THE CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE IRENE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT THE CAROLINA COAST TODAY WITH AN ESTIMATED INTENSITY OF CATEGORY 2

HURRICANE IRENE WILL START THE STORM SURGES GREATER THAN 2FT FOR SOUTH CAROLINA COAST.

IN SOUTH CAROLINA, COASTAL AREAS MUST WATCH OUT FOR STORM SURGES,HURRICANE FORCED WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS .....

IRENE IS EXPECTED TO CROSS AREA EAST OF JACKSONVILLE,NC AROUND 1-4AM LOCAL TIME OF 27TH AUG 2011

STRONG WINDS,FLOODING POTENTIALS LIKELY HERE

IRENE IS THEN EXPECTED TO IMPACT NORTH EAST US WITH EXTREME HEAVY RAINS AS IRENE DISSAPATES AS A TROPICAL DEPRESSION

*** THERE IS A POOR CHANCE OF INTENSIFICATION OR IRENE IN NEXT 12HRS due to INCREASED SHEARED ENVIRONMENT,DECREASING SST AND WEAK CONVERGENCE AT LOWER LEVEL..

DRY AIR INFLUX ALSO SHALL REDUCE INTENSITY

*** IRENE MIGHT HAVE AROUND 100MPH WINDS DURING LANDFALL EAST OF JACKSONVILLE ***

PEOPLE IN NORTH EAST US ( DC,MARYLAND,NEW JERSEY,NYC)

PLEASE REFER

www.nhc.noaa.gov for details

Hurricane Preparedness Tips (From FEMA)

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microbursts, create storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential (see chart). Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Scale Number (Category)	Sustained Winds (MPH)	Damage	Storm Surge
1	74-95	Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs.	4-5 feet
2	96-110	Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding.	6-8 feet
3	111-130	Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off.	9-12 feet
4	131-155	Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded.	13-18 feet
5	More than 155	Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded.	Greater than 18 feet

Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm.

Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost their lives from freshwater inland flooding associated with land falling tropical cyclones than from any other weather hazard related to tropical cyclones.

Naming the Hurricanes
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center and now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The lists featured only women’s names until 1979. After that, men’s and women’s names were alternated. Six lists are used in rotation. Thus, the 2001 lists will be used again in 2007.

The only time there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the continued use of the name would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity. When this occurs, the name is stricken from the list and another name is selected to replace it.

Sometimes names are changed. Lorenzo replaced Luis and Michelle replaced Marilyn. The complete lists can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov under “Storm Names.”

Know the Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a hurricane hazard:

Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 MPH (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.

Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39–73 MPH (34–63 knots).

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher.

Storm Surge: A dome of water pushed onshore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50–1000 miles wide.

Storm Tide: A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (i.e., a 15-foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal high tide over the mean sea level created a 17-foot storm tide).

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.

Short Term Watches and Warnings: These warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

For More Information

If you require more information about any of these topics, the following are resources that may be helpful.

FEMA Publications
Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage. FEMA-247. A guide to hurricane preparedness.

Community Hurricane Preparedness. IS-324. CD-ROM or Web-based training course for federal, state, and local emergency managers.

Safety Tips for Hurricanes. L 105. Publication for teachers and parents for presentation to children. To order, call 1 (800) 480-2520.

Other Publications
Protect Your Home against Hurricane Damage, Institute for Business and Home Safety. 110 William Street, New York, NY 20038

Take Protective Measures

Before a Hurricane
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.


• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.


• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.


• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.


• Determine how and where to secure your boat.


• Consider building a safe room.

During a Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.


• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.


• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.


• Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.


• Moor your boat if time permits.


• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.


• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.


• If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.


• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.


• If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.


• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.


• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.


• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.


• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After a Hurricane
Follow the instructions for recovering from a disaster in Part 5.

Real-Time Hurricane Irene Tropical Storm/50 knot/Hurricane Wind Speed Probability Images

Tropical Storm Wind Speed Probabilities

50 knot wind speed probabilities 

Hurricane Wind Speed Probabilities (Category 1 winds)

This is an automatic post, meaning that the publisher created this post earlier today and designated this post to automatically publish at a designated time because the publisher could not be near a posting area at the time. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that these images will actually be 'real-time' but will likely remain at this projection for the next couple hours at least.

Current Real-Time Track & Surface Winds, Watches/Warnings of Hurricane Irene

This is an automatic post, meaning the publisher has scheduled this post to be sent out at a designated time. Therefore, we cannot guarantee this track is 'real-time', but we can say that the track will probably not change in the next few hours.

NWS orders RAOBs to launch every six hours for Hurricane Irene

The NWS has ordered sites that launch RAOBs, or items that basically measure the atmosphere many different ways, to launch every six hours due to a trof's movement that could affect Hurricane Irene. This is a rare occurrence and details the severity of this situation.

National Weather Service Forecast Offices for people affected by Hurricane Irene

Newport/Morehead City, NC
Charleston, SC
Wilmington, NC
Jacksonville, FL
Melbourne, FL
Miami, FL
Mount Holly, Philadelphia (Also including New Jersey)