The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Watch for the North Carolina Coast from North of Surf City to the North Carolina-Virginia border.
High winds and large waves are expected by early afternoon, with the brunt of the storm expected tonight and into tomorrow for North Carolina residents. Irene is expected to reach the New Jersey shore by Saturday night.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working closely with states along the East Coast to ensure they have the resources they need. FEMA through its regional offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and Boston are in constant contact and coordination with state, tribal and local officials that could be impacted or have already been impacted by this storm, to ensure they have the support they need to respond. FEMA’s regional response coordination centers in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta are operating at heightened levels to ensure federal coordination and support to states that may be affected by severe weather.
“All residents along the East Coast should be paying close attention to this storm and listening to their state and local officials for key updates and information, including evacuation orders,” FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Now is the time to prepare your families, homes or businesses, so if you haven’t already, visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.”