All the people on the West Coast can judge and think that Hurricane Irene isn't a big deal and that us East Coast-ers are just being whiny, but the hurricane has killed over ten people including an 11-year-old boy in Virginia.
People have been swarming to Hannaford (and probably other stores) as if it's the apocalypse. We on the East Coast are used to blizzards and all other snow storms, but we aren't sure how to prepare for the hurricane.
I am already experiencing the rain outside my window and there will probably be more soon. So if it gets good expects a video update from me (I'm in Northern Maine).
The Boston Globe has already reported there are 3 million people without power & Planet Fitnesses in New Hampshire, Mass and other areas have offered that even non-members can come use lockers, showers, etc if there are Irene-related power outages.
This map/photo taken from the National Hurricane Center:
