Hurricane Irene updates and preparedness

The Weather Channel reports Hurricane Irene, the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, now has its sights set on the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast.  Storm Team 8 Tampa Bay reports Hurricane Irene appears less of a threat to the Tampa Bay area as time passes. It could approach South Florida as a major storm Friday morning, then parallel the state's east coast through Saturday afternoon.  Each new forecast track puts the storm even farther to the east – from the Tampa Bay area.  Stay tuned to weather reports.

For our Tampa Bay area residents,  it's never to late to prepare for severe storms, as the forecast has been known to change in the past.

USA.gov has plenty of resources to assist you in both pre- and post- hurricane situations -- for you, your family, your business, and your pets. 

If you live near the path of a storm, Ready.gov recommends that you:

• Build an emergency supply kit,
• Make a family emergency plan, and
• Stay informed. Follow hurricane warnings and updates at Hurricanes.gov.

Find more information about how to prepare for a hurricane.

Don't let a disaster catch you by surprise -- Be prepared !