Some 65 million people live in the urban corridor from Washington north to Boston, and experts have said the damage can cost anything up to $12 billion to restore.

"This is going to be a serious storm, no matter what the track is, no matter how much it weakens. This is a life threatening storm," Bloomberg said.

Irene's approach stirred painful memories of Hurricane Katrina, which smashed into the southern Gulf Coast in 2005, stranding thousands of people.

Hurricanes are rare in the northeastern United States. The last major hurricane to hit New York was Gloria in 1985, but this time authorities say they are ready.

The US military said up to 101,000 National Guard Soldiers were avalible if needed and designed military bases in three states staging areas.

I don't live in the USA but i felt this is a world wide story to share.
Thanks for reading,
Trist