Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane Irene Remains at Cat. 3 Strength, Turns North-Northwest

As of 11AM EST Thursday, Hurricane Irene remains a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Irene continues to batter the Northwest Bahamas today and then eyes the East coast of the United States. The East coast of Florida is experiencing some effects from Irene right now.

Here's the latest on Hurricane Irene as of 11AM EST Thursday morning:

Hurricane Irene: 11AM EST Update

Top Winds: 115 mph

Minimum Central Pressure: 951mb

Moving NNW @ 13 mph

Location: Currently Approaching Abaco Island

There is still the possibility for Irene to strengthen today and tonight. 

Current watches and warnings include:

A Hurricane Warning for the Central and Northwestern Bahamas.

A Hurricane Watch for the North Carolina coast.

A Tropical Storm Watch for the South Carolina coast North of Edisto Beach.

The mid-Atlantic states may very well see a Hurricane Watch posted later today.

Hurricane force winds stretch outward for 70 miles, but Tropical Storm Force winds extend to around 290 miles from the storm's center. 

Portions of South Carolina and North Carolina will continue to see increased surf and dangerous rip currents from Irene as the storm nears. The center of Irene is forecast to now be over Cape Hatteras, North Carolina by midday Saturday.

Then, things look like they'll get very interesting for Eastern sections of Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey right on North through the rest of the mid-Atlantic area. The track of Irene will still need to be adjusted, but much of the East coast from North Carolina North through New England should be prepared for the worst - heavy rain, damaging winds, extremely rough surf - the whole nine yards. Better to be safe than sorry when dealing with Mother Nature!

Irene's current projected path brings the storm to the New York City area as a hurricane on Sunday.

Click here to read how the National Weather Service suggests you to get prepared for a natural disaster such as Hurricane Irene. Be sure to have a plan of action just in case!

You can see Hurricane Irene's current projected path below. Next update at 2PM EST.

Posted in: Atlantic Ocean,Bahamas,damaging winds,east coast,Hurricane Irene,Hurricane Season,new york,new york city,tropics