NU Online News Service, Aug. 25, 11:33 a.m.EST

The predicted path of Hurricane Irene has shifted west, which isnot a favorable development for New York City.

The National Hurricane Center says there is “significantuncertainty” about how strong Irene will be when it reaches theU.S. coast, but the storm is headed for the Outer Banks of NorthCarolina as a strong Category 3 hurricane, say forecasters, andthen Irene could head for New York City and New England if it stayson its predicted, but uncertain path.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the North Carolina coastfrom Surf City to the border of Virginia.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for much of the SouthCarolina coast.

According to the NHC, Irene—as a hurricane or later as a tropical storm—couldimpact every state up the East Coast from South Carolina.

After hitting the North Carolina coast late Saturday into earlySunday, Hurricane Irene could pass within 30 miles of New York Citylate Sunday as a weakening Category 2 hurricane, AccuWeather.comsays. Such a storm would have sustained winds of at least 96mph.

“Such a path would lead to severe impacts that could promptofficials to force evacuation,” says Kristina Pydynowski,AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

Any movement in Irene's path west or east could significantlyaffect impacts to areas along the coast.

On its current path, Irene would cause “widespread tree damage,major power outages and structural damage to buildings and homeswould ensue,” adds Pydynowski. “Glass windows could shatter alongthe sides of New York City skyscrapers.”

Damaging winds of between 40-70 mph will extend 150 miles westand 250 miles east from the storm's center.

Pydynowski advises all boats docked along the Mid-Atlantic andNew England coasts be moved. Storm surges will be the worst if thestorm tracks a bit to the west, she says.

Along the predicted path, Irene could dump 4-8 inches ofrain.

“That rain alone will trigger widespread flooding issues, butAccuWeather.com is extremely concerned for serious flood problemswhere recent heavy rain has already saturated the ground,”Pydynowski says. “The drainage systems in Philadelphia and New YorkCity are sure to get overwhelmed.”

Currently Hurricane Irene, a Category 3 storm with sustainedwinds of 115 mph, is over the northwestern Bahamas. Storm surge isexpected to be dangerous. Up to a foot of rain is forecast hereover the next 36 hours, the NHC says.