Hurricane Irene Path: State Of Emergency Declared In Three U.S. States

Hurricane Irene path makes its way toward U.S.

The Hurricane Irene path is currently on its way out of the Bahamas and surging northwest toward the United States, which caused three Governors to declare a state of emergency in their states. Mandatory evacuations have also been started in Hyde County, North Carolina.

As the Hurricane Irene path moves away from the Bahamas Thursday and northwest towards the east coast of the United States, three governors have declared a state of emergency in their respective states along the Eastern Seaboard.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie declared emergencies for their states, while North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue declared a state of emergency in counties east of Interstate 95. Declaring a state of emergency allows states to free funds and resources that may be needed when Hurricane Irene, a Category 3 storm, rolls through.

A mandatory evacuation order was also in effect for residents and visitors in Hyde County, North Carolina.

While the hurricane was still pounding the Bahamas early Thursday, it is quickly approaching Abaco Island, and will continue its path northwest until it finds its way to U.S. soil by Friday. Maximum sustained winds were at 115 mph Thursday.

"The core of the hurricane will continue to move over the northwestern Bahamas today, and pass well offshore of the east coast of central and north Florida tonight and early Friday. The hurricane is forecast to approach the coast of North Carolina on Saturday," the center's advisory said.

The biggest concern to Eastern states preparing for Hurricane Irene is flooding. If the Hurricane Irene track continues along its current path, "from a flooding perspective, this could be a hundred-year event," New Jersey Gov. Christie said. He said voluntary evacuations should begin immediately and that "anybody who is on a barrier island should go."