Why are people still making a big deal out of hurricane Irene

when they live above New Jersey, and it's just going to be a little rainstorm?
It's been downgrading, and by the time its up there, it wont be a hurricane.

It's a big deal because the last time a hurricane came close to hitting that area of New England was like in the 1930s.

However, I agree. It will likely scatter into a squall line or remnants by the time it gets that far north, as hurricanes draw their energy from tropical waters, and NJ or NY are certainly nowhere near warm enough for that.

BUT! That area has been saturated with rainwater recently so even the shell of a hurricane can trigger flooding.

The northeast is not used to having hurricanes shooting towards them. I live in CT where this had hardly ever happened before. In comparison, it would be similar to southern Florida having a snow storm. It may not seem like a big deal to people like me who deal with them frequently, but Florida would probably be a little worried and feel unprepared. That's really all it is...something new england isn't used to and taking precautions.

Because we've been hit with the worst blizzard ever, then tornados, earthquake... now hurricane. We live in the woods, surrounded by trees etc. We're not taking ANY chances because we know things can change at the drop of a hat. Do you really blame us!?! We will still have power outages, downed trees etc.. just because its a tropical storm and not a full fledged hurricane- doesnt mean much!

Prevention is better than cure.

Maybe It Might Go To Categ 3
Nobody Knows

because it still could be dangerous

I'm in jersey , and honestly , im petrified .......... i don't know whether i should leave or not ...