Computer models are now placing "Irene" on a path extremely close to or over the mid-Atlantic coast and New York City as a weakening Category 2 hurricane.
On its current forecast path, Irene would spread destructive hurricane-force winds (gusts between 80 to 100 mph) across our area here in New York City. A flooding storm surge will also further inundate the coastline exacerbated by normally expected high tides. (Note: "Storm surge" refers to the "dome" of ocean water propelled by the winds and low barometric pressure of a hurricane.)
If "Irene" follows the present projected course, the storm will be over us around 2pm Sunday afternoon but we will start experiencing wind, rain and flooding well prior to that.
If "Irene" follows the present projected course, the storm will be over us around 2pm Sunday afternoon but we will start experiencing wind, rain and flooding well prior to that.
The worst case scenario in terms of flooding storm surge for our area would be "Irene" tracking directly overhead or slightly to the west. The strongest and most sustained hurricane-force winds will be measured in the immediate vicinity of Irene's center and eastward of center.
Additionally, "Irene" is large (400+ mile wide) and slow-moving storm (15 - 20 mph) which means that we could be looking at several hours of high winds, storm surge and heavy rain.
Additionally, "Irene" is large (400+ mile wide) and slow-moving storm (15 - 20 mph) which means that we could be looking at several hours of high winds, storm surge and heavy rain.
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