New York ordering first mandatory evacuations in city history

WATCH LIVE: Hurricane Irene hits East Coast

Hurricane Irene likely to cause 'horrendous' travel conditions

(CNN) -- Perhaps Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell put it best: Saturday is going to be a "horrendous day for travel" as Hurricane Irene sets its sights on the U.S. East Coast.

 

Sunday probably won't be any better.

 

The core of the powerful storm is approaching the North Carolina coast and is expected to bring hurricane-force winds over a large swath from Virginia all the way up into Maine this weekend, CNN senior meteorologist Dave Hennen said.

 

Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights, cruise lines are scrambling to change itineraries, and many trains won't be running at all in the next few days.

 

Public transportation is taking a hit: Transit systems in New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey will shut down on Saturday.

 

Roads are expected to be clogged with people heading away from Irene's path and many visitors enjoying the still-beautiful weather on some Northeast beaches have had to cut their trips short.

 

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http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/08/26/hurricane.irene.airlines/

 

 

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities - Hurricane Irene

 

Immediate Preparations/Supplies needed and what could happen in New...

 

Hurricane Irene may cause gas price spike

By Steve Hargreaves @CNNMoney August 26, 2011: 2:13 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the East Coast, threatening nearly 10% of the nation's refining capacity that lies in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware.


New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said low-lying sections of the city, mostly along the city's waterfront, are under mandatory evacuation orders. The mandatory evacuations, which affect all five boroughs, are the first in New York's history, he said.