Community Corner
Hurricane Irene Update: Slightly Weaker Storm Will Hit Ocean City
The massive storm has been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane (74 to 95 mph winds).
Hurricane Irene made landfall near Cape Lookout, NC, at 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 27).
The storm is now a Category 1 (74 to 95 mph winds) with sustained winds of 85 mph and higher gusts.
The National Weather Service says slight weakening is expected as it moves over North Carolina, but Irene will still be a hurricane when it passes New Jersey early Sunday morning.
Find out what's happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hurricane-force winds extend 90 miles from the center of the massive storm, and tropical-force winds reach 260 miles. Tropical-force winds are expected to reach Ocean City on Saturday afternoon
Storm surge will raise water as much as 4 to 8 feet above ground level, according to the National Weather Service.
Find out what's happening in Ocean Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Irene is predicted to dump 6 to 10 inches of rain with 15 inches possible in some isolated areas.
The NWS says "life-threatening" surf will accompany the hurricane.
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