Hurricane Irene May Make It to Maryland Sunday

(UPDATE 6:20 PM) --  The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, meaning tropical storm conditions could hit the area within the next 48 hours. 

Forecasters are now predicting that Hurricane Irene's path will hug closer to the coastline and could impact the area Saturday night. The storm could bring hurricane force wind, heavy rain and flooding to the area this weekend, according to The Weather Channel.  

As of 5 p.m., Hurricane Irene was located about 850 miles south of Baltimore.

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Hurricane Irene's scheduled arrival has been pushed to Sunday, instead of late Saturday.

The National Weather Service currently predicts that the center of Irene will approach Maryland on Sunday, with wind gusts between 74 and 110 miles per hour.

Hurricane Irene is currently off the southern tip of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean but is expected to travel up the East Coast as far north as New England, bringing with her hurricane force winds, extreme rainfall, significant coastal flooding and a tornado threat, according to The Weather Channel.

Heavy rain could track as far west as western Virginia, western Maryland, central Pennsylvania and central and western New York.

Today's Crofton Forecast

After 3 p.m. today, showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Some of the storms possibly creating small hail, gusty winds and heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is expected to last through Sunday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the storming ahead of Hurricane Irene's arrival could increase the chance of flooding.

"Right now the chance for [Hurricane Irene] to go out to sea looks pretty low," reported one CBS hurricane expert, and then recommended coastal residents take precautions.

The Department of Homeland Security's FEMA suggests the following when preparing for a hurricane:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.

Protect Your Property from Flooding

• Build With Flood Damage Resistant Materials
• Raise Electrical System Components
• Anchor Fuel Tanks
• Install Sewer Backflow Valves

Protect Your Property from High Winds

• Maintain EIFS Walls
• Protect Windows and Doors with Covers
• Reinforce or Replace Garage Doors
• Remove Trees and Potential Windborne Missiles
• Secure Metal Siding and Metal Roofs
• Secure Built-Up and Single-Ply Roofs
• Secure Composition Shingle Roofs
• Brace Gable End Roof Framing