Hurricane Irene is expected to close to the coast of North Carolina sometime Saturday, but whether there is a direct hit or it becomes a glancing blow is still uncertain.
Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen early Thursday, with sustained winds topping 111 mph, as it passes the Bahamas headed northwest. They expect it will curl north, but the exact path along the North Carolina coast is hard to predict, said Bill Reid, National Hurricane Center director, on Tuesday.

HURRICANE IRENE ADVISORY NUMBER 13
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092011
1100 AM EDT TUE AUG 23 2011

…IRENE APPROACHING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS…

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT…1500 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————–
LOCATION…20.5N 71.0W
ABOUT 70 MI…110 KM S OF GRAND TURK ISLAND
ABOUT 50 MI…85 KM NNW OF PUERTO PLATA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…100 MPH…160 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 12 MPH…19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…980 MB…28.94 INCHES

LOCATION…19.2N 67.5W

ABOUT 105 MI…170 KM WNW OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO
ABOUT 70 MI…115 KM NE OF PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…80 MPH…130 KM/H

The government of the Bahamas has issued a hurricane warning for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas.

Summary of watches and warnings in effect…A hurricane warning is in effect for…* North coast of the Dominican Republic from the Haiti border Eastward to Cabo Engano * Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands

A hurricane watch is in effect for… * North coast of Haiti from le mole St. Nicholas eastward to the Dominican Republic border * central Bahamas

A tropical storm warning is in effect for…* Puerto Rico…Vieques and Culebra * South Coast of the Dominican Republic from South of Cabo Engano Westward to the Haiti Border * all of Haiti

Discussion and 48-Hour Outlook
——————————
At 1100 am…The Center of Hurricane Irene was located near Latitude 19.2 North…Longitude 67.5 West. Irene is moving toward the West-Northwest near 13 Mph…20 Km/H…and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 To 48 hours. On This Track the Core of Irene should be passing just to the North of Hispaniola later today and early Tuesday and reach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas late Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 Mph…130 Km/H…with higher gusts. Irene is a Category One Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Strengthening is forecast during the next few days.

Hurricane Force Winds Extend Outward Up To 30 Miles…45 Km…from the center…and Tropical Storm Force Winds extend outward up To 185 miles…295 Km to the Northeast of the center.

Minimum Central Pressure Estimated From A Reconnaissance Plane Was 988 Mb…29.18 Inches.
Source: NWS – NOAA

Hurricane Preparation Tips
•    Do a run-through installation so you know what it takes to completely secure your home.
•    Make sure all hurricane protection works, and check that you have all the parts for installation.
•    Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
•    Have a family plan in place that addresses where everyone will meet, in case you are separated.

If a Hurricane is Likely in Your Area
•    Secure your home, engage 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.
•    Ensure you have a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
•    Listen to the radio or watch TV for information.
•    If possible, monitor these websites:  National Hurricane Center & Storm Prediction Center.

Evacuate Under the Following Conditions
•    If directed by local authorities to do so, and be sure to follow their instructions.
•    If you live in a high-rise building — hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
•    If you live on the coast, in a floodplain, near a river or on an inland waterway.
•    If you feel you are in danger.
•    If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors; keep curtains and blinds closed; take refuge in a small interior room on the lowest level or lie under a sturdy object such as a table.
Should you have any questions about your home’s hurricane readiness, please contact us. Also, if you need service or parts before a storm hits, call us at (239) 278-9092 or Toll Free at 888-962-7283.

Preparing for a hurricane – 72 hours prior:

• If you live or boat in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy weather, know your local and national weather sources and monitor them continuously.

• Remove small boats from the water and move them to a secure location. Ensure the trailer and boats are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer. Contact local marinas and ask for advice. The marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.

• If your boat is too large to be removed from the water, move it to a safe haven well before the storm approaches. You should know where safe havens are in the area where you boat. Use extra fenders, even used tires, to protect your boat. Double up mooring lines, secure all hatches, take down the mast if possible and remove all loose items from the vessel. Secure everything.

• Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

Preparing for a hurricane – 24 hours prior:

Boaters and coastal residents can get storm and hurricane information from VHF marine radios, commercial radio and television stations and newspapers, or NOAA weather radios.

• The public should check with their local Coast Guard sector for an up-to-date status of local ports.

• Never forget that storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

Preparing for a hurricane – vessels in the storm:

• Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat to “ride out” a hurricane. All mariners are advised to stay off the water.
• If you are unable to evade a storm, ensure you wear a life jacket and know how to activate your distress signaling devices. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies, however, may be severely degraded or unavailable immediately before, during and after a devastating storm. If you are in a vessel and you see signs of heavy weather, seek shelter. While en route to shelter, secure the boat and prepare passengers for possible rough water, heavy rains and high winds. Have all aboard put on life jackets. Do not let passengers below deck remove life jackets.
• If you think the boat may sink, it may be best not to have passengers below deck at all. Keep passengers above deck and attached to safety lines.
• By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
• If you get into trouble, call for help immediately. Ideally, you should have an EPIRB on board in addition to a marine radio. Keep in touch with the Coast Guard or anyone else you can reach so someone knows your location and assistance can be sent if needed.
• Carry life rafts on board large vessels. If the vessel sinks, board the life raft, stay with it and tether passengers together. Keep moving slowly to keep circulation and body temperature up and avoid overexertion.

* Source – US Coast Guard

Overall, the CSU prediction called for 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.  This report is based on the Atlantic basin, which includes all tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its sustained wind speeds surpass 74 mph.

Is your home protected?

• Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days(72 hrs) for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three day supply of non – perishable food items
• A battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flash light and extra batteries
• First aid kit. The more comprehensive the better
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in the event of plumbing, sewage or septic issues
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. They will also come in handy for numerous other situations
• Can opener for canned food

The above listed items are the most basic of necessities. You may also want to consider storing the following items as well:

• Prescription meds and glasses
• Infant food and formula
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Important documents (Insurance, bank accounts, id etc…) It;’s a good idea to place these items in a water proof container.
• Cash or travellers checks
• Emergency reference materials (first aid books etc…)
• Sleeping bag or blankets for each person.
• Complete change of clothing
• Household chlorine bleach. If diluted with nine parts water, it can be used as a  disinfectant.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Hygiene supplies
• Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books games and puzzles or other activities for children.

Most of the information from this list was found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide for 2009 –2010.

Possibly related posts:

• Related posts on hurricane kit
• Hurricane Preparation Kit « emergency preparedness
• Emergency Kits – Specialty Types
• Preparing the yacht for a violent storm

Tropical Storm – 39 – 74 mph.

Category 1 – Winds of 74 – 95 mph.

Storm Surge 4-5 feet above normal. Damage to signs, unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees. Minor coastal flooding.

Category 2 – Winds of 96 – 110 mph.

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet above normal. Some trees blow down. Damage to some doors, windows, and roofs. Flooding to piers. Considerable damage to mobile homes

Category 3 – Winds of 111 – 130 mph.

Some structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding near coast destroys small structures. Flooding may come well inland

Category 4 – Winds of 131 – 155 mph.

Some complete roof structure and curtainwall failure. Major beach area erosion. Inland flooding.

Category 5 – Winds of 156 and up.

Major damage to many structures. Buildings and roofs blown away. Major and severe flooding events. Massive evacuations of residences could be required.

References: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/saffir_simpson.shtml