Hurricane Watch Issued For Long Island Sound

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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, the New York City area and southern counties of Connecticut. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for the northern counties of Connecticut, as well as Berkshire, Ulster, and Dutchess counties in southern 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.

Stay plugged into Patch for updates on Irene.

This is the report from the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service reports that a hurricane watch is in effect for all of Long Island, Connecticut coastal waters and New York Harbor.

The NWS statment is as follows: "A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours somewhere within the specified areas. ... All persons in the watch areas should review their preparedness plan and be ready to implement it should a warning be issued for their area."

A flood watch also is in effect for all of southern Connecticut, along with southeastern New York and northeastern New Jersey.

"Based on the forecast track of hurricane Irene, torrential rains are expected to overspread the region Saturday night and continue through Sunday. Rainfall amounts of five to ten inches with locally higher amounts are possible Saturday night through Sunday evening. The exact track of Irene will determine where the heaviest axis of rain sets up, but a significant flood potential exists areawide."

The NWS says the rainfall amount could create moderate to major small stream and river flooding across the tri-state river basins, as well as "significant and widespread urban and poor-drainage flooding."

"As of 5 a.m., the center of hurricane Irene was located near latitude 29.3N, longitude 77.2W. This was about 810 mils south-southwest of New York City ... Storm intensity was 110 mph."

The NWS recommended initiating hurricane disaster preparations for both homes and businesses. "Review your hurricane disaster plan and become ready to act  ... . It is important to actively listen for forthcoming information from the local National Weather Service office and emergency management agency."

"Mariners are urged to make all necessary preparations to return to port, seek safe harbor, and secure their craft. Now is the time to initiate preparations according to your emergency plan ... monitor weather broadcasts for changes to the latest forecast and listen for further statements from local officials."