The National Weather Service Has Issued A Hurricane Warning

Dover -- Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Make the final preparations to protect life and property. Rush to completion the hardening of your home or business by closing shutters and bracing garage doors.

If evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Guard against being stuck out on roadways when dangerous winds and heavy rains arrive. Again, do not stay in a Mobile or manufactured home. Remember, pets are not allowed in most official shelters, so check ahead with your intended shelter.

If staying in a home, turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and keep it closed. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Fill the bathtub with water in case the tap water becomes unavailable after the storm. This is for cleaning and Flushing purposes. Do not drink it.

Probability of tropical storm/hurricane conditions the chance for hurricane conditions at this time is less than or equal to 14 percent. Also, the chance for tropical storm conditions at this time is up to 82 percent. This represents a general steady trend since the last forecast. The onset of tropical storm conditions could start as early as Saturday afternoon.

Winds
as Hurricane Irene approaches, sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to begin early Saturday evening. Maximum winds are forecast to be in the 50 to 60 mph range with gusts up to 85 mph. Damaging winds are likely. Most poorly anchored Mobile homes will be damaged. Other homes may have damage to shingles, siding, gutters and windows, especially if these items are not properly secured. Loose outdoor items will become airborne, causing additional damage and possible injury. Some power lines will be
knocked down by falling trees, resulting in power outages. Many large branches of trees will be snapped, and a few trees will be uprooted.

Storm surge and storm tide
much depends on the precise size, intensity and track of the system as it approaches the coast. Given the latest forecast, a storm surge of 3 to 6 feet is possible.

Inland floodinga Flood Watch is in effect for the entire area. Heavy and possibly record setting rainfall amounts Saturday and Sunday may result in major flooding across the area.

Coastal hazardsthere is a high risk of significant beach erosion along with battering waves.

Rip Currentsthere is a high risk of rip currents. Conditions in the surf zone will become dangerous, therefore everyone is urged to stay out of the water.