8/24/2011 Evening Hurricane Irene Update

The National Hurricane Center has updated their track for Irene as of 5pm. It moves it a bit further west, over the Outer Banks, but up here keeps it similar to just off the coast. A lot of model guidance today has trended west with the storm, closer to the coast. The Euro model actually has a direct hit on Cape May, NJ and brings it directly over NYC. If the Euro track verifies, it would be devastating to NJ., especially coastal areas. Even just off the coast, we would still experience a strong impact.

Models will continue to waffle with the track over the next couple days, as they are still ingesting data. The data should become better once a few variables move closer to the area. For now, I think the prudent thing to do would be prepare as if we get a direct hit and hope it goes further off the coast. In any case, expect flooding rains, strong winds and down the shore, expect some serious storm surge. Pay attention to high and low tides as that will aid storm surge during high tides.

As of now, it appears storm conditions will start overnight on Saturday and last through a large part of Sunday.

More to come! Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!

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