(NECN) -- Irene battered the Bahamas Wednesday night, but she may not reach the land until Sunday - in New England.
The category 3 storm tore down trees and roofs off houses, and is expected to make its way up the Outer Banks next. By that time, the hurricane may reach category 4 status.
It is likely that the storm will be high impact when it reaches the New England coastline. Rain is expected to start Saturday, with its closest path reaching the Northeast coast Sunday afternoon.
Meteorologist Matt Noyes says that evacuations are possible by the end of the weekend for the southeast coast of Massachusetts, specifically near Buzzards Bay.
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