(Image Source: NASA)
BY CHARLIE MCKEAGUE
ANCHOR LAUREN GORES
It’s coming.
Hurricane Irene – the first major hurricane of the season -- is projected to make landfall in the U.S. by the weekend.
The impact zone could be massive – stretching from Miami to Boston.
“Irene continues to be the top story. Right now it’s a category 2 storm. … But in the days to come we are going to have to keep tabs on Irene along the immediate Southeast coast, the Mid Atlantic, and some impacts could be felt in the Northeast.”
Category two for now – but meteorologists expect it to strengthen – possibly to a category four.
“Here’s a look at the forecast as we get into Thursday early morning. Now we we’re talking about it as a category 3 storm making its way to the Bahamas. Notice the way the forecast fans come very close to the east coast of Florida and the Carolinas through Friday, Saturday, and even Sunday as a major hurricane. That’s category 3 plus. It is time to prepare now.”
Irene is moving slowly –about 10 miles per hour – and its projected path could change.
But where it could hit – would affect millions of Americans. (The Weather Channel)
NASA captured these images from Space – and Irene - at a category two - is already a giant.
Those are some images from space – but ABC has shots from the ground in Miami -- where people are gearing up.
“It already walloped Puerto Rico and knocked out power to a million people. … People from Miami to the Carolina’s aren’t taking any chances. They are boarding up their houses and stocking up on food, water, and other supplies. Some flights are already being cancelled.”
Stay tuned to Newsy’s iPad and iPhone apps for the latest multi-source coverage of Hurricane Irene as it develops - and other pressing environmental stories.
