Irene Heads to East Coast

Hurricane Irene is expected to hit North Carolina on Friday night. Though the storm weakened as it left the Bahamas, it may be a Category 3 again when it reaches the East Coast. The storm is expected to cause massive blackouts and officials warned that the storm may cause flooding even when it reaches the Northeast. New York City ordered evacuations in certain areas and the public transportation system will be shut down at noon on Saturday. As he cut short his vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, President Obama said, “We all hope for the best, but we have to be prepared for the worst.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency has suggestions for emergency supply kits and family emergency plans here.