To the Point
The East Coast Prepares for Hurricane Irene
Share |

The East Coast Prepares for Hurricane Irene

Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Podcast iTunes Podcast
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Listen Download Add to My Shows

The East Coast of the United States is battening down for what could be a major disaster. As Hurricane Irene neared the Carolinas this morning, President Obama cut short his vacation on Martha's Vineyard after issuing an urgent warning and promising "full support" for states and localities.

Banner image: Chris Pittman (L) and Bill Vota of Villas, New Jersey board up a store front on the historic Washington Mall in preparation for Hurricane Irene August 26, 2011 in Cape May, New Jersey. Photo by William Thomas Cain

Even before Hurricane Irene hit the Carolinas, evacuations were underway as far north as New York and New Jersey. President Obama said federal agencies are preparing with states and cities for a "historic" storm that could be "extremely dangerous and costly." As many as 55 million people live in areas threatened with power outages, high winds and flooding where heavy rains already have saturated the ground. Major airports are in the path of the storm, rail lines could be under water and highways are closed — with potential impact on transportation nationwide. We hear what's being done to prepare for the worst and the possible aftermath.

Guests:
Links:

Engage & Discuss

Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.

For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.