Irene Becomes the Season's 1st Hurricane

As of 7am this morning, Hurricane Irene is bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane force winds to the island of Puerto Rico. Maximum sustained winds are at 75 mph and it continues to move to the W/NW at 14 mph. The latest forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center continues to keep much of the Florida peninsula (inlcuding Southwest Florida) in it, but there has been a gradual shift to the east over the last model runs, possibly impacting the east coast of Florida, or staying just off shore as a minimal hurricane. Since the forcast track and intensity of Irene still remains uncertain, now is a good time to review your hurricane plan and check your hurricane supplies.