Tropical Storm Warning Issued As Irene Heads Toward East Coast

A tropical storm warning has been issued for much of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area – including Montgomery County -- as Hurricane Irene heads towards the East Coast.

The storm has been downgraded to a Category 2 storm as maximum force winds fell from 115 to 110, ABC7 reports.  It’s expected to make landfall near North Carolina’s Outer Banks before heading up the coast to the Washington area. Six- to nine-foot waves have been spotted off the North Carolina coast, according to ABC7.

The Washington area could feel the first effects of the storm as early as late Friday evening and early Saturday morning, NewsChannel 8 reports.

Pepco is preparing for the possibility of a “widespread, multi-day restoration effort,” according to a statement. Residents, especially those who need power for critical medical equipment, are urged to plan ahead, review emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

A map detailing weather and traffic conditions – as well as the location of safety facilities – is available via the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.