The past few days will certainly be distant memories by this weekend, as the beautiful weather we've been  able to enjoy will be no more. There are several hazardous weather events approaching in the not-too-distant future. First, the potential for scattered strong to severe thunderstorms will exist on Thursday afternoon and evening, as a cold front approaches from the west. Our area is forecast to moderately unstable by the afternoon, and the front and shortwave will provide sufficient forcing to spark thunderstorms and allow them to be organized. The Storm Prediction Center has placed our area in a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms, citing the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail, and an isolated tornado or two. The threat does not seem to be significant or widespread, but it's important not to forget that severe thunderstorms can cause damage. Stay prepared and listen for the issuance of watches, warnings, or advisories. Featured image: Storm Prediction Center Day 2 Outlook, placing our area in a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms.

After Thursday, the threat for hazardous weather takes on a new life, as all eyes turn to the potential approach and impact of Hurricane Irene. The hurriacne is currently located in the Southwest Atlantic ocean, packing quite a punch, with Category 3 winds sustained at 120 miles per hour. The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center takes the storm very close to the Outer Banks of the Carolinas, before turning it north and eventually northeast, towards Eastern Long Island and then into Southern New England. Some of the models are farther west with the storm, bringing it towards the New Jersey coast, while others are farther east, missing Long Island and bringing the storm on to Cape Cod.

Regardless of the track the storm takes, our area is currently in the potential impact area for this hurricane. There is the potential for excessive amounts of heavy rain, very strong winds, and very high surf brought on by the storm. If the storm impacts our area as currently modeled, many area beaches and beach towns would likely need to be evacuated. With that being said, the storm is still a few days away, and much can change. Still, now is the time to act and be prepared. Have your hurricane prepardness plan ready by Saturday. The storm is forecast to impact our area Saturday  Night into Sunday Night. Having all essential items ready for the storms imapct is important to being prepared as the storm hits. Featured image: Satelllite image of Hurricane Irene, Wednesday evening August 24th, as it churns in the southwest Atlantic ocean.

Finally, know that we will be here throughout the next few days nearly nonstop to keep you updated on every development with the hurricane. Make sure to interact with us on both Facebook and Twitter (links at the end of the post), and we will help you to be as prepared as possible, and up to date with the latest information. To access the latest forecast track, use the link bar at the top of this post titled "Hurricane Irene".

Article written August 24th, 2011 at 8:00pm. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the end of the week into the weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.