Community Corner

Rain and Wind From Irene Moving Into Area

Conditions will begin to deteriorate this evening as the outer bands of hurricane Irene begin to push into the area.

The light rain now falling throughout the area is the first tangible sign that Hurricane Irene is on her way.

As of 2 p.m., Irene remains a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The storm is currently centered about 45 miles west-northwest of Cape Hatteras, NC, and is moving north-northeast at 13 mph.

The projected path has changed little over the last half day or so. Irene is still forecast to be just off the New Jersey coast by 8 a.m. Sunday with winds still at hurricane strength, around 75 mph.

Find out what's happening in Ryewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite the drop in category -- Irene was listed as a Category 3 -- this is still a very dangerous storm system. The peak wind gust thus far was 87 mph out of Cape Hatteras.

Rain and wind will really begin to pick up this evening and especially during the overnight hours. Tropical storm force winds can be expected by the early morning hours Sunday and throughout the day.

Find out what's happening in Ryewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, approximately four to seven inches of rain is expected across the entire state of Connecticut as well as southern sections of New York. Locally, higher amounts are possible in extreme western Connecticut and southern New York State.   

A surge between three and six feet on top of the rain will also lead to flooding conditions in low-lying areas. Shelters have been opened in many communities and evacuation plans, both voluntary and mandatory, are underway throughout the region.

Stay with Patch for the latest on Irene and your local community's response.

Related Topics: Hurricane IreneIrene, and hurricane forecastWhat are you seeing in your neighborhood so far? 


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