Hurricane Irene Takes Aim at New York State [UPDATE]

In what may become a storm of historic proportions, Hurricane Irene is chugging north up the Atlantic coast to take aim at portions of New York State including New York City and Long Island.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is offering the following advice to New Yorkers:

A hurricane watch is in effect for New York City, indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. OEM continues to closely monitor Hurricane Irene as it makes its way toward the East Coast. Irene is currently a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to reach the North Carolina coast on Saturday.
OEM urges New Yorkers to find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Residents in Zone A are advised to leave their homes before the storm arrives and are strongly encouraged to stay with friends or family outside an evacuation zone. Evacuation Centers will be open Friday at 4 PM for residents who have no alternative shelter.