Hurricane Irene has somewhat weakened but remains a powerful and dangerous storm with maximum sustained winds at 100 miles per hour. Minimum central pressure sits at 951mb. The storm is moving north at 14 mph.

Forecast models continue to show Irene reaching New York City as a Category 1 hurricane, meaning sustained wind speed between 74 to 95 miles per hour. Gusts can be significantly higher.

But flooding will be the more significant problem with this storm. Residents along the eastern seaboard should check to see where they reside on flood maps. Those in low-lying coastal areas should evacuate now.

Evacuations

Mandatory evacuations — many times under threat of criminal prosecution — are in effect all along the eastern seaboard. Check with local authorities and local media to identify your evacuation status.

Both mandatory and voluntary evacuations should be heeded. Do not overestimate your ability to ride out the storm. It’s time for better safe than sorry — not allowing testosterone to get the better of you.

Tropical storm force winds are now arriving in the Carolinas. The National Hurricane Center has a chart of hurricane watches and warnings along the coast. Check it.

Remember: Watches mean the storm effects arrive within 48 hours. Warnings mean storm effects arrive within 36 hours.

Preparations

You should now be making final preparations. Bring in loose debris from your property. Anything loose can become a missile. Shutters should be up or almost up.

Supplies (water, food, medicine, etc.)  for 36-48 hours should be purchased. No candles. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and batteries. Flashlights.

Expect to lose power and expect hours or even days of delay before power is restored. Plan accordingly. Fill up the bathtub before the storm arrives to provide clean water. Make sure you have battery-powered light.

Emergency services can not reach you during the storm. You will be on your own. Don’t take any risks. In hurricane force winds, you can call 911 all you want. They still can’t come to your aid.

Remember the eye of the storm. It’s extremely calm and extremely misleading. Do not go out during the eye unless your home is destroyed and you are moving to safer shelter.