Residents should use today to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irene. Partly sunny skies will be overhead today however with a frontal boundary stalled just to our south and east I can’t rule out a couple isolated showers throughout the day and into the early overnight.

Irene is still on track to bring nasty and potentially dangerous conditions here by Saturday night into Sunday. Saturday morning can be used to put the final touches on preparations however heading into the afternoon and evening hours we expect rain to develop and winds to begin to increase as Irene closes in. By Saturday night tropical storm conditions will be in place meaning heavy rain, possible flooding, and sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts in excess of 45-50 mph. Conditions will improve Sunday afternoon as Irene departs with gradual clearing expected. Winds will remain elevated and gusty well into the afternoon. Rainfall totals are expected to be between 1-3” with higher amounts of 3-6” possible across Southern MD and the Northern Neck. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track and monitor this dangerous storm.

~ Have a good day!