Posted on 08/28/2011 8:25:32 AM PDT by mandaladon
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (AP) — From North Carolina to New Jersey, Hurricane Irene appeared to have fallen short of the doomsday predictions. But with rivers still rising, and roads impassable because of high water and fallen trees, it could be days before the full extent of the damage is known.
More than 4.5 million homes and businesses along the East Coast lost power, and at least 11 deaths were blamed on the storm. But as day broke Sunday, surprisingly light damage was reported in many places, with little more than downed trees and power lines.
"I think it's a little strong to say we dodged a bullet. However, it certainly could have turned out worse for the Hampton Roads area" in Virginia, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Montefusco.
At the same time, officials warned of the possibility of severe flooding over the next few days as runoff from the storm makes its way into creeks and rivers. In some parts of the Northeast, the ground was soggy even before the storm because of an extremely rainy August.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett cautioned: "The rivers may not crest until Tuesday or Wednesday. This isn't just a 24-hour event."
Irene brought rain of six inches to a foot to many places along the East Coast. The storm was still pummeling the New York City area on Sunday morning, dropping below hurricane strength but still dangerous with 65 mph winds and heavy downpours.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell had initially warned that Irene could be a "catastrophic" monster with record storm surges of up to 8 feet.
But in Virginia Beach, the city posted on Twitter late Saturday that initial reports were promising, with the resort area suffering minimal damage.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Huge, hysterical waste of time and money.
I’m shocked, shocked I tell you. Thank God Obongo was at the helm, he saved the entire east coast from a catastrophe of monumental proportions. /s
Hah! I can even hear it!
That’s hilarious!! You could see he was getting pissed because he couldn’t keep playing like he was falling down with kids walking around behind him. Too funny. TWC sucks, I haven’t watched it in years. Good for nothing.
While I’m glad damage was minimal I’m starting to wonder if the media didn’t totally blow this whole thing out of proportion.
Absolute gold....viral yet?!
Awesome!
It is hilarious! That reporter will never get an academy award. I downloaded that video, got to save that one.
Beautiful, just beautiful
What kills me the most is that the reporter is wearing swimming goggles!
I just can't stop watching this video.
OMG, I almost needed Depends for that one. ROFLMAO!
More people die from floods than any other weather event.
However as someone that's lived in hurricane territory all my life, I knew this would be a dud as far as the wind goes, and that it was being overhyped.
What does his nameplate say ?
If power is out for very long, meats mostly will go bad and you will probably have to get new refrigerator.
Ruined food can leave a stench that will ruin refrigerator.
Yes it is, I don’t play that game. Sure I’ve pissed some people off, tough, I am not and never will be PC. I may have to fake it at times here, but never in person.
I actually had TWO chairs blow over. Metal ones, no less. Where’s my government check?
They still haven’t reported how many people die in these areas just on a normal weekend.”
Wonder if they will report the decrease in robberies, muggings and car jackings.
Obama: No tie, collar loosened.
Man, that fellow is working it!
Too bad those streakers didn’t have a chance to run by.
“Watch Obama take credit for this.”
But of course. If it wasn’t for the timely intervention of His Omnipotent Benevolence, we vassals would have had a far worse situation on our hands.
Yes, Irene will not be complete without “looter guy!”
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