Tropical Storm Watch Now in Effect

Update 7:52 The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for the area. As of 6 p.m., the center of Hurricane Irene was 820 south of Washington with wind intensity at 115 miles per hour.

Irene is expected to affect the area late Saturday into early Sunday.

University of Maryland Resident life is now allowing students to move in on Friday ahead of the storm.

Update 3:28 p.m. The rain has stopped, and there is no wind. But Hurricane Irene is still on its way.

With Hurricane Irene set to make landfall on the Eastern shore of Maryland by 8 a.m. Sunday, with wind speed between 74 and 110 miles per hour, Governor Martin O'Malley declared a state of emergency today. This activates the Maryland National Guard into a state of service, and authorizes the Maryland Emergency Management Agency or other appropriate state authorities to engage, deploy and coordinate available resources.

The flash flood watch is still in effect for the area until midnight tonight.

Update 11:36 a.m. A flash flood watch is in effect from noon today until this evening. One to two inches of rain can be expected in the I-95 corridor.

Original story below.

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Hurricane Irene's scheduled arrival has been pushed to Sunday, instead of late Saturday.

The National Weather Service currently predicts that the center of Irene will approach Maryland on Sunday, with wind gusts between 74 and 110 miles per hour.

Hurricane Irene is currently off the the southern tip of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean but is expected to travel up the East Coast as far north as New England, bringing with her hurricane force winds, extreme rainfall, significant coastal flooding and a tornado threat, according to The Weather Channel.

Heavy rain could track as far west as western Virginia, western Maryland, central Pennsylvania and central and western New York.

Today's Forecast

After 3 p.m. today, showers and thunderstorms are likely, some of the storms possibly creating small hail, gusty winds and heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is expected to last through Sunday.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the storming ahead of Hurricane Irene's arrival could increase the chance of flooding.

"Right now the chance for [Hurricane Irene] to go out to sea looks pretty low," reported one CBS hurricane expert, and then recommended coastal residents take precautions.

The Department of Homeland Security's FEMA suggests the following when preparing for a hurricane:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.

Protect Your Property from Flooding

• Build With Flood Damage Resistant Materials
• Raise Electrical System Components
• Anchor Fuel Tanks
• Install Sewer Backflow Valves

Protect Your Property from High Winds

• Maintain EIFS Walls
• Protect Windows and Doors with Covers
• Reinforce or Replace Garage Doors
• Remove Trees and Potential Windborne Missiles
• Secure Metal Siding and Metal Roofs
• Secure Built-Up and Single-Ply Roofs
• Secure Composition Shingle Roofs
• Brace Gable End Roof Framing