Hurricane Irene Could Impact Boston
August 25, 2011
Forecasters predict the Granite State could witness gusty winds that are intense enough to blow the shingles off the roofs of the homes this weekend, if Irene follows the projected track toward Boston.
According to Eric Wilhelm, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, in worst-case scenario, we could view wind gusts of more than 40 mph and along the immediate coastline, some area could experience sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph.
Those winds are powerful enough to topple over the trash caps and make them roll down the streets and poorly constructed structures could incur damages. However, Wilhelm added it is improbable the winds would cause plenty of damage; residents in the region should also take note of the 3 to 5 inches of rainfall that could fall in the coastal areas within a period of six to seven hours.
He said, the latest forecasts do predict that Hurricane Irene could be over Boston by Sunday evening.
Irene is projected to strike the Carolinas by Friday. Wind and rain will intensify across the eastern tip of South Carolina as well as eastern Carolina late on Friday through Saturday morning.
Strong winds of 100 to up to 130 mph are expected to pound the Outer Banks, North Carolina on Saturday afternoon through evening. Winds of such a strong force can down trees and inflict considerable damage to houses and other properties.
Dan Kottlowski, hurricane and tropical weather expert at AccuWeather, said that the Irene’s center passes just east of the Outer Banks, then the winds won’t be that strong.
As per Associated Press, Irene is the first hurricane projected to strike the U.S. in last three years.
The course of Hurricane Irene is quite similar to that of the Hurricane Bob, which made landfall in New England in 1991.
Eric Wilhelm stated that Irene is likely to miss Florida and strike further north in North Carolina Saturday evening. Regions such as Myrtle Beach could get some wind and rain, but will likely miss the hurricane’s eye.
Mary Stampone, a climatologist with the state, said the track of Hurricane Irene has moved toward the east, and the forecast for potential track has been extended to the greater Boston and New England regions.
Potential flooding could be witnessed in the low-lying areas of New Hampshire according to the latest forecasts, she stated. There is a likelihood of plenty of rain in the Tri-City area, Durham and the Seacoast. Intense winds could be seen in Manchester and Keene, she added. People should also keep an eye on rough costal seas during the weekend.
American Red Cross and New Hampshire emergency officials are already preparing shelters.
