Possible Threat to Florida: Hurricane Irene

The most recent projections have Hurricane Irene picking up intensity to a Category 4 by Thursday which is coincidentally right around the time it should be passing by southeastern Florida.  As of right now, the hurricane is not expected to make landfall in Florida but the next 48 hours will determine if those projections remain.  The timing of this storm is quite unfortunate as I have plans to fly cross country next Wednesday to attend a music festival on Labor Day weekend in Washington state.  This is an annual trip that I make with friends from all over the country (and even a few from Canada) so needless to say hurricane or not I am making it to Washington.  If it requires me to drive across country then so be it!