Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene could pound eastern Virginia this weekend with torrential rains, stiff winds and surging floodwaters.
Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency, making help from Virginia readily available to localities. The Governor authorized localities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for residents if the locality deems it necessary.
Irene could reach Virginia as a Category 2 hurricane, with winds of 96 to 110 mph. The heaviest rain and wind, in Richmond and to the east, should hit Saturday afternoon. The storm should leave Virginia by Sunday night.