Live: Hurricane Updates

Hurricane Irene Reaches Carolinas, Weakens Slightly [Aug. 26, 2:57 p.m.]

As expected, Hurricane Irene is beginning to weaken slightly as she heads toward land.

Current enhanced infrared images of the storm now show a decrease in the intense convection within the eyewall. In fact, the eye itself is beginning to close up as it moves further north.

The weakening of the storm system was expected. It is not a sign that Irene will be weaker by the time it reaches our area.

In fact, there still is a brief period where we may see some intensification as it heads further north and encounters the Gulf Stream.

As of 2 p.m., maximum sustained winds are still an impressive 100 miles per hour, which categorizes Irene as a Category 2 hurricane.

Hurricane Watches Issued for Parts of Connecticut, New York [Aug 26, 9:05 a.m.]

With the latest forecasts predicting that Irene will bring winds up to 95 miles per hour and nearly eight inches of rain to Connecticut and New York, Hurricane Watches have been extended into our area.

The watches have been issued for Long Island; New York City; Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties, and southern counties of Connecticut. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the northern counties of Connecticut, as well as Ulster and Dutchess counties in New York.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions (winds in excess of 74 miles per hour) are possible within the next 48 hours.

As of 8 a.m., Irene has weakened just slightly with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour. This is still a very strong Category 2 hurricane, and may intensify slightly before first hitting the North Carolina coast sometime tomorrow.

The latest projections from the National Hurricane Center are putting Irene just off the Maryland coast by 2 a.m. Sunday with maximum sustained winds projected to still be near 100 miles per hour.

During the day Sunday, Irene is forecast to make a direct hit through central Connecticut. Winds are still forecast to be at Category 1 strength (between 74 and 95 miles per hour) by that time. In addition to the strong winds, new model data is suggesting between six and eight inches of rain by the time Irene passes.

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Stay plugged into Patch for updates on Irene.