Irene develops into hurricane, possibly heading for Carolinas

More than a million people in Puerto Rico have lost power as Irene, the first hurricane of the Atlantic storm season, heads toward the island of Hispaniola and, perhaps later in the week, the eastern seaboard. Currently a category one storm, Irene is expected to strengthen over the next few days, possibly to a category three, according to the National Hurricane Center.

"Current model track guidance is nearly unanimous in steering Irene towards the southeast U.S. coast by Friday or Saturday, with landfall occurring somewhere between central South Carolina and southern North Carolina," says the Capital Weather Gang blog on the Washington Post website. Tracking errors can range from 200 to 250 miles, the writers note.

To follow the progress of the storm, check the websites of the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center. You can also download a hurricane tracking app from iTunes for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch or the Weather Channel app for androids.

If you live in a hurricane watch are, where hurricane conditions may develop in the next 48 hours, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends the following:

• Frequently listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the storm's progress.
  
• Fuel and service family vehicles.
  
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
  
• Ensure you have extra cash on hand.
  
• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or other shielding materials.
  
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.
  
• Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.

If you live in a warning area, where hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours, NOAA recommends taking these additional precautions:

• Close storm shutters.
  
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered.
  
• Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a designated public shelter outside the flood zone.
  
• Do not stay in a mobile or manufactured home.
  
• Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
  
• Take pets with you if possible, but remember, most public shelters do not allow pets other than those used by used by people with disabilities.
  
• Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.

—Mary H.J. Farrell