Precipitation: Rains associated with Irene may begin as early as Saturday afternoon.  1 to 2 inches may fall Saturday, with the bulk of precipitation coming Saturday night through Sunday night.  5 to 10 inches of rain are possible along and to the left of Irene's track, with localized amounts of 12 inches possible.  Several inches of rain are possible just east of Irene's track.  Irene's current track puts the axis of heaviest rainfall over western and central Massachusetts, but this will shift with any changes in the projected track.  Assuming Irene's current track holds, there is a significant risk of stream and river flooding in the central and western part of the state, including the Connecticut, Chicopee, and Blackstone river basins.

Winds: The most damaging winds will be located to the right of Irene's track.  As Irene makes landfall, it is forecast to be a Category 1 (74-95mph) hurricane, although a Category 2 (95-110mph) storm is not impossible.  If Irene takes a more westerly track and weakens as it passes over land, wind intensity will decrease.  Exact timing of the arrival of damaging winds in Massachusetts is highly dependent on Irene's forward speed; Sunday morning is most likely, but an increase in Irene's speed could bring an earlier onset of significant winds.  There is also a risk that Irene may spawn weak tornadoes, especially in its northeastern quadrant, Saturday night through Sunday morning,.  If Irene takes a more westerly track as it passes through or near Massachusetts, the risk of tornadoes affecting the state will increase.

Coastal Flooding: The magnitude of coastal flooding will depend on Irene's exact track, speed, and intensity as well as its timing with respect to high tide.  Given Irene's current timing, the south coast of Massachusetts is most at risk of coastal flooding on Sunday evening, including Narragansett and Buzzards Bays.

Marine/Beaches: There is a high risk of rip currents on exposed south-facing coasts today.  Rip current risk will be high on all exposed coasts this weekend, and will remain high through the beginning of next week.  Depending on Irene's forward speed, seas may begin building Saturday night and by Sunday could reach 25-35 feet near shore and 40 feet further out to sea, with the highest seas being to the right of Irene's track.  Beach erosion is likely on exposed south-facing beaches from Saturday night through Monday morning.

For the most up-to-date forecast, visit the National Weather Service at

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/box/

The Verizon network is a complex collection of assets, from buildings to transmission facilities to vehicles and people, and Verizon's regional control center is preparing for possible flooding, power outages and downed trees and wires from Irene's aftermath.  For example, generators are being fueled and tested and portable equipment like trucks and specialized gear is being moved from low-lying areas, where possible.  Building sump pumps are also being tested, and drains and gutters cleared.  Verizon teams are also reviewing the inventory of supplies like utility poles, cable and other equipment and are planning for staffing of essential positions.

The telecommunications network, like your home, requires power to function properly.  If commercial power goes out, backup batteries and generators in Verizon's central switching offices or field facilities keep power flowing so customers' phones ring even when the lights go out.  Verizon suggests customers prepare for Irene by taking the following steps:

Customer Check List

• If you rely solely on cordless phones in your home, you should consider getting an inexpensive hard-wired phone that plugs directly into your home's wall jacks.  Cordless phones will not function without commercial power, but corded phones will work in the event of a loss of commercial power.
• Remember home answering machines won't work without power, but Verizon voice mail service - which is powered by the network - will work and can serve as a convenient family message board.
• Charge all battery-powered devices before the storm hits, including wireless phones and PDAs, laptop computers, personal entertainment devices (like MP3 players), flashlights and radios. And check your supply of batteries.
• Many people keep all of their contact information in their PCs or wireless devices.  Make contact lists and create communications plans for loved ones before the storm hits.  If you are evacuated or are otherwise unreachable, make plans to communicate via wireless calling, text messaging, the Internet or other alternatives available at relocation sites.
• Top off all vehicle and generator fuel tanks before the storm- gas pumps also rely on commercial power.
• Check your local emergency-readiness authorities for their recommendations and advisories about the situation in your area. Be sure to check back with them if the situation gets worse.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, protect sensitive equipment like computers and TVs by getting them as high above ground as you can so when service comes back up, you'll be back in business quickly.

If you have questions, please call Verizon's toll free number 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or visit their website at www.verizon.com/support.

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