Tropical cyclone information statement issued by the Canadian Hurricane Centre of Environment Canada at 8:57 a.m. ADT Thursday August 25, 2011:
Hurricane Irene is a major hurricane moving through the Bahamas with winds near 180 km/h. The hurricane is forecast to track toward the northwest then north very near or just off the North Carolina Coast. hereafter Irene is expected to track north-northeastward either through New England or the Maritime Provinces late this weekend and into Monday.
The track and intensity will, as always, depend on many changing factors over the next four days. Thus, it is too early to meaningfully state how the storm will affect specific areas.
However, it is common that the heaviest rainfall occurs to the left of the track and highest winds to the right with this sort of storm. At this point in time we encourage consulting the bulletins at least twice a day for updates on our forecast and discussions.
Visit weatheroffice.gc.ca/hurricane for the latest hurricane track information map.
Please also refer to the public and marine forecasts and warnings issued by Environment Canada for your area.
Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/will-irene-visit-nova-scotia