According to the latest NOAA update, the center of Hurricane Irene was located near latitude 75 miles northeast of Nassau in the Bahamas. The report says that Irene is moving toward the NNW 13 mph. It is expected to continue this track through the night before turning toward the north by early Friday. The hurricane is forecast to approach the coast of North Carolina on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with higher gusts. Irene is a Category Three hurricane. Some strengthening is possible today and tonight. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for north of Surf City, N.C., to the N.C.-Va. Border. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for north of Edisto Beach, S.C., to Surf City, N.C.

At 8:00 a.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Irene was located near latitude 25.5 north, longitude 76.5 west. Hurricane Irene now has winds of 115 mph moving west at 13 mph. Irene is 65 miles south of Nassau, Bahamas.

Irene is forecast to pass well to the east of the South Carolina coast. But with the storm being so large, the coast may see tropical storm gusts for a period of time along with bands of rain as we get into Friday and  Saturday. As with any tropical system, it is best continue to monitor movement and strength until it is has passed our coast.

Link to the NOAA’s National Weather Service.

As Hurricane Irene tracks more north-eastward and becomes less likely to create havoc along South Carolina’s coast, the American Red Cross remains prepared and reminds residents to remain alert.

Regional Red Cross spokesperson Anna Kate Christophillis says, “Although the Red Cross is preparing and we’re prepared year around, we want to make sure that the public is prepared.”

Christophillis says people should prepare a kit that include: a three-day supply of water for each person on hand, along with food that does not require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit. “Also cash,” she says. “A lot of people use their debit or credit card. Remember, if the power goes out, you’re not going to be able to get cash from an ATM.”

 American Red Cross website for preparation information

Christophillis says the agency will not second-guess what the storm may do and they are prepared to respond if needed. “We are identifying all of our available shelters,” she says. “We have voluntary and mandatory shelters throughout the state of South Carolina. So, we are identifying all of those, making sure they’re ready to be open at a moment’s notice, and making sure we have enough staffing to man those shelters.”

She says they’re checking the resources and supplies. “We’re working with partner agencies to make sure that we have food in case we do need to open these shelters,” said Christophillis.

Christophillis reminded residents that South Carolina may not yet be out of the woods. “Although the eye looks like it may not hit the coast of South Carolina, we still want everybody to be prepared because rip-currents and dangerous surfs could come up on the East Coast as well as tornado outbreaks,” she says. “So, even though you think you might be in the clear, that span of the hurricane could still affect the coast and even the midlands of South Carolina.”