Prepare for Irene, EMO says

Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Office is advising people to get ready for hurricane season.

Hurricane Irene wasweakening Tuesday evening, but is threatening the U.S. and could affect Nova Scotia. The Canadian Hurricane Centre is forecasting it will hit the mid-Atlantic states on Sunday afternoon, if it continues on its currentcourse and speed.

Irenemay arrive in Canada between late Sunday and Tuesday, and hit anywhere between Montreal and Newfoundland.

It's too soon to determine if Irene will hit, and when and where,butMichelle Perry, a spokeswoman for the EMO, said Nova Scotians shouldn't wait until a hurricane is nearing.

Everyhome should have an emergency kit, and homeowners should ensure that loose branches on nearby treesare trimmed so they don't turn into dangerous projectiles, she said.

Chris Fogarty of the Hurricane Centre in Dartmouth saidIrene is similar to Hurricane Earl, which left thousands of Nova Scotians without electricity last September.

The same thing could happen late this weekend, if the storm gains power by remaining over warm waters. But if it turns inland in the United States, the winds will drop, Fogarty said.