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SALT LAKE CITY - Hurricane Irene is affecting a massive geographical area and a lot of Utahns are anxiously awaiting news from loved ones trapped on the east coast.
Nathan Powell's wife left for North Carolina last week, before there was a threat of a hurricane. But as Irene made landfall Friday night, Powell's wife and daughter were right in the hurricane's path.
"I think the hardest part for me is just not being able to communicate," Powell said.
Powell spoke with his wife, Kim, Friday night before the little North Carolina island - Harker's Island -- she is staying on with their 10-month-old daughter, Morgan, took a direct hit from Irene.
"It made landfall -- the eye made landfall at Cape Lookout," Nathan Powell said.
You're looking at between a $10-20 billion disaster, even though it's only going to be a Category 1, because you have 50 million people that are potentially going to be affected.
–Tom Panuzio
Kim captured video of the storm as it made its way toward her. She grew up on Harker's Island and her family is experienced with riding out the various storms, which Nate said brings him comfort.
"They boarded up the house; they stocked up on their supplies and they're pretty well prepared," Powell said.
Former FEMA official Tom Panuzio said to not be deceived by Irene's Category 1 status because it will still cause massive amounts of damage.
"You're looking at between a $10-20 billion disaster, even though it's only going to be a Category 1, because you have 50 million people that are potentially going to be affected," Panuzio said.
Irene is widespread and the flood potential is high, Panuzio said.
"Even though you don't have the wind speed, you still have an enormous amount of flood potential, an enormous amount of debris flowing in and out of New York City," Panuzio warned. "And certainly from a 50 million people standpoint, a lot of deaths can occur over the next 12 hours if people don't heed these warnings."
And for Nathan Powell, and others with loved ones in the storm's path, all they can do is wait for news. Powell said he was able to reach his wife this afternoon, who said they are now bracing for the back half of the hurricane to hit them.
For more information about the hurricane and updates on families affected, visit www.fema.gov.
Email: jstagg@ksl.com
