After Irene strengthens on its fierce path through the Bahamas, the hurricane will take aim at the North Carolina Outer Banks and New England this weekend.

Irene intensified into a Category 3 hurricane (the threshold for major hurricane classification) this morning.

Irene will likely then strengthen into a powerful Category 4 hurricane during its dangerous assault on the Bahamas into Thursday.

After leaving the Bahamas, Irene will take aim at the North Carolina Outer Banks and New England this weekend. Florida and Georgia will be spared in the process.

[link to www.accuweather.com]



Irene Current Status [link to hurricane.accuweather.com]