National Hurricane Center on Irene's Movements

(NECN) - Hurricane Irene remains a dangerous Category 3 in the Bahamas.

As of 2 p.m., the eye of the hurricane passing through Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, moving at about 13 mph. Conditions should be improving in the central Bahamas now and through the evening as Irene moves northward in open water along the Gulf stream toward North Carolina.

Hurricane Irene will have a major impact on the eastern side of North Carolina Friday night. A hurricane watch is in effect for North Carolina now, and is expected to be moved up to a hurricane warning as early as 5 p.m. today.

After North Carolina, Hurricane Irene is expected to go right up past all of the major metropolitan centers of the East Coast.

Impacts include very heavy rains and very high winds, and along coastal areas there will be storm surges, which is a great concern in North Carolina.

Reed recommends listening and following the directions of local emergency management systems.

For a list of advice and tips for a hurricane emergency, click here.

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