News 12 New Jersey: Irene slightly weaker; warning area extends up NJ coast (August 26, 2011)

As seen on News 12 New Jersey and News12.com
(08/26/11) EDISON - Hurricane Irene has weakened slightly to a Category 2 storm as it approaches the East Coast, where a hurricane warning has been extended up the Jersey Shore.
Hurricane warnings are now in place for Atlantic, Cape May, Camden, Ocean, Cumberland, Monmouth, Gloucester, Burlington and Salem counties ahead of Hurricane Irene. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

A hurricane watch has been issued for Middlesex, Essex, Hudson, Union, Bergen and Passic counties. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Mercer County. A tropical storm watch is in place for Morris and Somerset counties.

Meanwhile, Irene's maximum sustained winds have decreased to 110 mph (175 kph). But the National Hurricane Center says some re-strengthening is possible and the storm is expected to be near the threshold between a Category 2 and 3 storm as it reaches North Carolina's coast.

The National Hurricane Center is predicting storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 6 feet above ground level along the Jersey shore. This would be accompanied by large waves.

News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist James Gregorio says Irene is expected to produce 6 to 10 inches of rain in New Jersey, with isolated amounts of 15 inches.

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• Irene slightly weaker
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• August 26 2011