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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising Irish citizens travelling to or residing in coastal areas of the eastern United States from the Carolinas to New England to exercise caution as Hurricane Irene is due to pass through the area within the next 48 hours. This will result in damaging winds and heavy rains which could lead to severe flooding.

Citizens who live permanently or seasonally in the affected areas should monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Visitors should contact their travel agent or tour operator as the deteriorating weather conditions are likely to lead to significant travel disruption, including at major east coast airports, over the coming weekend.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued advisories for Hurricane Irene. As changes to the forecast and local conditions are continuous, Irish citizens should visit the U.S. National Hurricane Center for the latest updates

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also monitoring Hurricane Irene through their regional offices in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Atlanta. The text of the FEMA advisory is available via the following link

Citizens in need of consular assistance or advice can contact the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs (01-4082000) or the Irish Embassy in Washington (+1-202-462-3939) or the Irish Consulates in Atlanta (+1-404-554-4980), New York (+1-212-319-2555) and Boston (+1-617-267-9330).