Email
Watch Video
Play Video
Hurricane Irene is lashing the East Coast of the US, bringing high winds, torrential rain and flooding to many states. At least eight people have died, and emergency services are now asking many people to stay in their homes, rather than try to evacuate.
The hurricane is reported to have reached New York, and emergency services there are saying it's no longer safe to be outside. Forecasters say Irene's sustained winds have eased a little, but are still at hurricane strength. The National Weather Service says winds are currently at 129 kilometers per hour, down from 137 kilometer per hour. The eye is currently over the border of North Carolina and Virginia, and moving slowly Northeastwards. A hurricane warning has been discontinued south of Cape Fear in North Carolina.
 |
| OCEAN CITY, MD - AUGUST 27: Frank Fumich who did not evacuate, is hit with sand and heavy wind from Hurricane Irene, on August 27, 2011 in Ocean City, Maryland. The state of Maryland has declared a state of emergency as heavy winds and surf from Hurricane Irene approaches the coast. (Photo by Mark Wilson) |
 |
| Photo taken on Aug. 27 shows the people in the Ocean City of Maryland, the United States, were evacuated. It is expected that the Hurricane Irene comes in the Ocean City at the midnight on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun) |
 |
| Photo taken on Aug. 27 shows the people in the Ocean City of Maryland, the United States, were evacuated. It is expected that the Hurricane Irene comes in the Ocean City at the midnight on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun) |
 |
| Photo taken on Aug. 27 shows the people in the Ocean City of Maryland, the United States, were evacuated. It is expected that the Hurricane Irene comes in the Ocean City at the midnight on Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun) |
Related stories
- Death toll from Hurricane Irene reaches 8: CNN 2011-08-28
- Hurricane Irene approaching New York 2011-08-28
- Death toll reaches 4 as Hurricane Irene pounds U.S. East Coast 2011-08-28
- Obama calls on Americans to be prepared for Hurricane Irene 2011-08-27
- U.S. military braces for Hurricane Irene 2011-08-27
