CBS News is reporting that Hurricane Irene's main thrust was still a day away from North Carolina, but heightened waves began hitting the state's Outer Banks, and rain began falling in the southeastern part of the state Friday as the storm continued trudging toward the East Coast.
National Weather Service meteorologist Rachel Zouzias said that rain carried by Irene's outer bands was reaching the southeastern part of North Carolina. Rain is also falling in South Carolina.
In addition, swells from Irene and 6- to 9-foot waves were showing up, and winds were expected to begin picking up later in the day, said Hal Austin, another meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The Category 2 storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 110 mph, but it's expected to be stronger when it hits North Carolina's coast sometime Saturday.
That's just the first hit. Irene's projected path -- which, CBS News hurricane consultant David Bernard says, most computerized models show unusual agreement on at this stage -- has it bringing misery to Washington, New York and Boston, with a possible devastating strike directly on New York City over the weekend. As many as 65 million people on the East Coast could be affected.
Many of us are in denial about the arrival of a hurricane until it's too late. Hurricane Irene is barreling toward the East Coast and will strike by tomorrow. Please bring in animals, patio furniture, trash cans and anything not tied down, and stay away from windows. Hurricanes are no joke and should be treated with real concern.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, lists the following tips:
*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.
Read more about Hurricane Irene's path at CBS [5]. Get more tips on Hurricane preparedness at FEMA [6].
In other news: Obama Strategizes to Connect With Black Community. [7]
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