Irene

Good afternoon, after many long hours last night following Irene, I feel better for us today. Right now it is basically at the same Latitude as South Florida and moving Northwest. It would take a miracle for the center of Irene to stop on a dime, head due west, and impact us directly. Whew, we have dodged a huge bullet.

Our friends in the Bahamas have not been so lucky. We continue to get sporadic reports of structural damages through the Southeastern Bahamas, and hardly any info from the Central Bahamas.  This is obvious since the eye went over the area last night.

Massive power outages are common place, many trees down and I'm sure once reporters can go in and asses the situation, I believe the destruction will be impressive. Still hoping for the best.

I have not received any updates since last night from my contacts in the Bahamas. I am re-posting the last ones I received.

 Mr. Knowles stated:

• NEMA National Emergency Management Agency officials reported 40 homes on the Island of Mayaguna experience structural damage
• On the Island of Exuma the Peace and Plenty Hotel pier was destroyed people evacuated roads impassible due to sea surges

Here is the present situation:

• NHC is having a hard time determining if indeed Irene has replaced it's eyewall. Overnight its top winds dropped from 120 to 115. The downturn was attributed to this process.
• The wind field has grown this afternoon.
• Recon planes did confirm the much anticipated turn has happened.
• Strong upper winds coming off the Southeast US, will push Irene east but not as far as the models thought yesterday. This places the Carolinas, right in the middle of what can be a very powerful and destructive strike.
• The atmosphere is still primed for further strengthening for Irene. 
• Some shear may interact with it in a day or two, but since Irene is so large and strong it may not be enough to weaken it before it hits the Middle Atlantic States.

Our local impacts today will be minimal compared to our neighbors to the east.

As seen on radar below, we will get some of the feeder bands coming through from time to time. While we wait for them to arrive, conditions will mostly cloudy and breezy. As the squalls move in, the winds pick up , as strong as 40 mph. Heavy localized rain. Choppy seas, with some beach erosion, and rip currents. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for boaters, NOT FOR ANY LAND AREA.

After Irene leaves the area, we will see our winds veer out of the southwest. This should bring us only isolated showers, but will pump up the temps as it draws heat and moisture from the tropics. Expecting highs to climb into the mid 90's from Friday through the weekend. Could even see  some records.

I have left the radar full screen so you can follow the feeder bands as they come in.
Barring any last minute surprises, this will be may last update on Irene for South Florida. Thanks for reading, and biting your nails, along with me through this scare.