The East Coast Prepares for Hurricane Irene

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