Hurricane Irene May Bring Rain and Strong Winds to Philadelphia

The hurricane is no longer expected to make landfall in Florida, but the Philadelphia area could still feel its effects starting this weekend.

Hurricane Irene is picking up speed and strength as it turns toward the East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Irene lumbered into the Bahamas as a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday night and by Wednesday morning had ballooned into a Category 3 storm. Forecasters warn that Irene could become a Category 4 hurricane by the end of the day as it turns north.

The storm's projected path has been adjusted steadily to the east throughout the past 48 hours. Forecasters no longer expect the center of the storm to make landfall in Florida.

The National Weather Service says the interaction between Irene’s projected track and a stalled frontal system could mean heavy rain Saturday and Sunday, with the possibility of a period of strong winds Sunday.

The local seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service is calling for showers and thunderstorms  Thursday afternoon and early evening. There’s a slight chance of rain on Friday.

The Philadelphia Managing Director's Office of Emergency Management states on its website that possible impacts from Hurricane Irene may include:

• Heavy rain (5"+)
• Sustained high winds (50+ mph sustained winds)
• Flash flooding on roadways
• Severe flooding of creeks, streams, & rivers (creeks and streams are already at higher levels due to recent rainfall)
• Downed trees, limbs and wires
• Hazardous driving conditions
• Transportation disruption
• Infrastructure and utility failures and outages

The OEM website cautioned Philadelphians to be prepared for high winds, flooding, and possible disruptions in utility service.

Patch will post updates on potential impacts as they develop.