Irene by the numbers

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following report about Hurricane Irene. Irene was the first hurricane to hit the United States since Hurricane Ike struck Texas in September 2008. Irene was the first storm to threaten the New York City area since Hurricane Gloria in September 1985. On Saturday, Aug. 27, Irene’s hurricane force winds extended outward up to 90 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 290 miles.

Irene was similar in size to Hurricane Katrina nearly six years ago to the date. Katrina’s hurricane force winds extended outward about 104 miles with tropical storm force winds felt outward 230 miles.

River flooding records were broken in 26 rivers. New Jersey (8), New York (14), Vermont (4).

40 people have died as a result of the storm. (media reports)

About 3.5 million customers were without power, that’s about 9 million people (media reports)

80 million people within 200 miles of storm track (source: CIESEN, Columbia University)

49 million people within 100 miles of storm track (source: CIESEN, Columbia University)

2.3 million people were under mandatory evacuation orders. One million in New Jersey, 315,000 in Maryland, 300,000 in North Carolina, 200,000 in Virginia, 100,000 in Delaware, and 300,000 people in New York City.

10,000 flights canceled for August 27—28. SWF, JFK, LGA, PHL, ISP and EWR airports were closed.

Numerous roads are closed in New Jersey and PA due to flooding and downed limbs, including portions of I—78, I—80, I—287 and I—95. 140 roads closed in MD due to downed trees and 46 due to flooding.

The New York Mass Transit Authority (MTA) stopped subway, bus, and Long Island Rail Road, and Metro—North Railroad services were shut down. NJ Transit and Path trains also ceased operations. Amtrak canceled all service on the Northeast corridor.

Hurricane Irene will be the 10th billion dollar disaster in 2011. This 10th U.S. billion—dollar disasterofficially breaks the annual record dating back to 1980.

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html