Hurricane Irene Aims for NC Coast
08/25/2011
Hurricane Irene is now considered a major hurricane over the Bahamas, and is a major threat to the island chain. Winds are up to 115 mph (with even higher gusts) making it a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
The storm has an impressive presentation on the satellite imagery with a well-defined circular eye (about 25 miles in diameter), thunderstorms showing good banding features, and good outflow evident by the high cirrus clouds. A storm surge around 7-11 feet, 5-10 of rain, and winds over 100 mph will slam the SE and Middle Bahamas today, and work to the NE Bahamas tomorrow.
By Thursday, it should emerge well off the FL coast and edge towards the NC coast by this weekend. The path could change, but you can see the National Hurricane Centers thinking on the track (above).
Read more: http://mxp.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/24/category-3-storm-hurricane-irene-taking-aim-at-north-carolina/.........