Hurricane Irene's Impact on the East Coast
Flooding, Power Failures, and Damage
Hurricane Irene swept up the East Coast in 2011, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm brought torrential rainfall, causing widespread flooding and power outages. The damage was significant, with millions of dollars in losses and disrupted lives.
Rainfall and Flooding
Hurricane Irene dumped record-breaking amounts of rain, with some areas receiving over 20 inches of rainfall. The heavy rains caused rivers and streams to overflow, resulting in severe flooding. Many homes and businesses were flooded, forcing residents to evacuate and causing extensive property damage.
Power Failures
High winds and falling trees led to widespread power outages. Over 8 million people lost power, some for a week or more. The power outages disrupted daily life, affecting businesses, schools, and transportation. In some areas, the lack of power also led to water shortages as pumps were unable to function.
Damage
Hurricane Irene's winds, rain, and flooding caused significant damage to infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and utilities were heavily impacted. The storm also caused damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The total damage from Hurricane Irene was estimated to be in the billions of dollars.
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