Update 7 a.m.
Things just got kicked up a notch as a tropical storm warning is now in effect for the Potomac Communities. It replaces the tropical storm watch issued Thursday afternoon.
At 6 a.m., Hurricane Irene was 660 miles south of Washington, packing winds of 110 mph, moving up the East Coast at 14 mph.
We are expected to begin to feel Irene’s impacts in our region on Saturday morning, as showers and some thunderstorms are set to develop after 8 a.m. By Saturday night, tropical storm conditions are expected with heavy rains and sustained winds up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
On Sunday, breezy conditions and showers and wind continue during the day mainly before 8 a.m., the weather service said.
Original post 6 a.m.
The warning about the impending Hurricane from officials at the National Weather Service made it clear.
“For those under a watch…now is the time to begin preparing your home or business according to your hurricane disaster plan. Listen for possible warnings and be ready to evacuate if necessary,” according to a special weather statement.
A tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm-like conditions are possible in the area, was issued for the Potomac Communities on Thursday night in advance of Hurricane Irene to include Prince William, Stafford and most of the Washington, D.C. area. Hurricane watches were issued from Virginia Beach north.
By late Saturday night into Sunday morning, Irene’s winds should start to affect the region with up to 55 mph sustained winds as the storm continues its march up the Eastern U.S. coast. Wave heights along the coast could be up to six feet tall during the height of the storm, according to the weather service.
The worst of the storm is expected to affect the region Sunday, bringing heavy rains and high winds.
On Thursday night, Irene was still a category three storm with sustained winds of 115 mph and was pulling away from the Bahamas headed to the coast of North Carolina and is expected to strengthen.
Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell issued a state of emergency Thursday, clearing the way for National Guard troops to assist in evacuations of coastal areas. In Ocean City, Md., a mandatory evacuation was ordered Thursday and residents took heed, according to Twitter users.
Bob Ryan, the dean of Washington area TV weather, used the term “historic” while describing the potential impacts of the coming storm.
Officials have also warned residents to get ready for the approaching storm.
