IRENE is a big and powerful storm, which has not been seen in the NY Metropolitan area for decades. Officials say our greatest threat will come from powerful winds and severe flooding conditions.

HURRICANE IRENE IS EXPECTED TO BRING TORRENTIAL RAINS AND MAJOR FLOODING.
FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE SUNDAY NIGHT.

Mass transit officials in New York City plan to to shut down the system on Saturday at 12 Noon.

With Hurricane Irene pushing uo the East Coast, officials made plans to shut down NYC bus and subway system beginning at noon on Saturday. Those commuter rails, which serve Long Island, Westchester County and The State of Connecticut will also stop.

Public safety officials decided on the transit shutdown, as NYC evacuated hospitals and nursing homes in low-lying areas.

Hurricane Irene is making her way up the eastern United States. There is a strong chance the New York metropolitan area will experience hurricane or tropical storm, including flooding.

While the possibility of major damage is low, I urge you to take a moment today to evaluate your level of preparedness. There is a way to see if you live in a "high-risk" area. Just click, enter your address, and you will know if you are in a risky zone where the storm could pass heavily.

http://gis.nyc.gov/oem/he/index.htm

IRENE may soon be visiting North Carolina and then all the way up the coast, without an open invitation. Officials responsible for public safety have issued evacuation orders in low lying areas for the sick and the elderly and many are preparing for a worse case scenario. MAKE A PLAN

Have you taken cash out of your ATM? Do you have fresh batteries? What about a propane for your BBQ? Do you have coolers w/ plenty of ice? Do you have a generator? What about gas? Remember, our electricity may be out for days... So, just one word to the wise - PREPARE!

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As Irene gets closer to New York City, City Islanders who live near the water are preparing.
88 year old Russel Schaller says he's making sure his flashlight and portable radio have fresh batteries. He is just one of many residents, who flocked to area stores to stock up on water and emergency supplies. Others, who live on the waterfront are preparing for possible flooding.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has held news conferences to warn New Yorkers, who live in coastal areas to prepare for potential evacuations.