Loy: Irene – clearing up some misconceptions (2)

Remember, this is the National Hurricane Center’s interpretation of a bunch of computer models, some of which think Irene will go to the left, some to the right. Nobody knows for sure what the storm’s precise course will be. So don’t focus on the track line. Focus on the “cone.” If you’re inside it, assume you’ll be getting a direct hit from a hurricane of Category 2 strength of greater, with adverse effects starting 12 to 24 hours before the track “line” gets closest to you. Prepare accordingly. Start now. The end.

Okay… not quite “the end.” Before I get to the “misconceptions” referenced in the title of this post, I’m going to quote extensively from Dr. Jeff Masters, who has an excellent, thorough post this morning on the threat all up and down the coast:

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Afternoon Updates:

12:49 pm EDT, August 26th, 2011 — East Coast Braces for Hurricane Irene as Storm’s Outer Bands Hit Carolinas

12:50 pm EDT, August 26th, 2011 — Manhattan braced for direct hit from Hurricane Irene as city faces flooding, paralysed transport and skyscraper damage