Tropical Cyclone Irene

Tropical Cyclone Irene is expected to make landfall over the Carolinas this weekend as a major Hurricane, it is anticipated to reach category 3 classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale, a major Hurricane with winds as high as 130 miles per hour and significant storm surge. The storm will accelerate, racing up the east coast of the United States as it encounters the Gulf Stream. Tropical Storm and Hurricane force gales will impact the eastern seaboard this weekend into early next week from the Carolinas to Long Island, Cape Cod and perhaps Maine. Major Hurricane wind damage is expected across coastal North Carolina. After Irene makes landfall over eastern North Carolina the storm will weaken some what taking aim at Long Island as a full blown Category 1 or 2 Hurricane. Winds blowing 50 miles per hour or better are anticipated from the Jersey shore to eastern Long Island where the strongest wind gusts will blow up to 100 miles per hour. This will be a particularly dangerous situation because the potential wind damage will be amplified by the wide spread flooding possibility. This storm system will generate up to one foot of rain over already saturated grounds. The supersaturated ground will weaken many trees at their roots, easily topping over in winds over 50 miles per hour. There is a high potential for wide spread flooding and long periods of power outages. The time to prepare is now, especially if you live in a flood prone area. The most severe conditions will be felt along the coast. Significant beach erosion, high surf, and a 4-10 foot storm surge will lead to major coastal flooding from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod including coastal New Jersey, New York Harbor,the Long Island Sound, the Harlem, East and Hudson Rivers in New York City - and especially the south shore of Long Island - Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways, Long Beach, Robert Moses Beach, Fire Island, the Great South Bay, Smith's Point, Moriches, the Hamptons, Shelter Island and Montauk Point.