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Aug. 24, 2011: Jamie Rhome, storm surge specialist, studies a computer at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, as Hurricane Irene passes near the Acklins and Crooked Islands in the Bahamas. Hurricane Irene strengthened to a major Category 3 storm Wednesday over the Bahamas with the East Coast in its sights. (AP2011)

Aug. 22, 2011: Jay Coleman fills up spare gasoline containers at Costco in preparation for Hurricane Irene in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. (AP2011)

Aug. 24, 2011: A ferry from Ocracoke Island delivers passengers to Hatteras, N.C. A visitor evacuation is underway on Ocracoke Island as Hurricane Irene approaches the Carolinas and the east coast. (AP2011)

Aug. 24, 2011: A ferry from Ocracoke Island arrives in Hatteras, N.C. A visitor evacuation is underway on Ocracoke Island as Hurricane Irene approaches the Carolinas and the east coast. (AP2011)