I’m at work...no speakers, what’s he saying?
Whind and rain are not hype as the groupd is already saturated and soggy from this month's record rains. Trees will be blown over easier than normal. Downed trees knock out power, communications and hinder emergency response. Based on what happens in PA and NJ when a line of thunderstorms comes through, Irene can cause some big trouble.
On expected current track east of NYC, no extreme storm surge for the city, wind less than maximum. Expect heavy rain (low-lying areas flooded), trees blocking transportation corridors, widespread power outages (due to more downed trees from existing rain-soaked ground). Coastal areas and islands do need to be evacuated. Have survival supplies on hand for minimum of 72 hours.
(My take: If the storm does not turn as predicted by the models and forecasters, things could be bad - be prepared.)