News Alert: Hurricane Irene bears down on Virginia Beach

---------------------------------------- News Alert: Hurricane Irene bears down on Virginia Beach August 27, 2011 8:18:44 PM ---------------------------------------- After slowly making its way up the East Coast, Hurricane Irene is now bearing down on Virginia Beach and other parts of eastern Virginia. Conditions: The region is encountering the windiest period of the storm from now into the overnight hours, with National Airport reporting sustained winds of 29 mph and gusts of 40 mph. As the onslaught of rain continues, the National Hurricane Center reports water levels rising in the Virginia tidewater region. Power outages: More than 6,500 homes and businesses in D.C. are without power, 15,000 in Prince George's County, 10,000 in Anne Arundel and 5,000 around Baltimore. Expect these numbers to rise as gusts whip through the area overnight. Transportation: The Bay Bridge was ordered closed at 7:35 p.m. Saturday due to severe winds and unsafe driving conditions, the Maryland Transportation Authority said. http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/46MP2V/S387WF/AKM4PM/6P34CU/98VND/1G/h For more information, visit washingtonpost.com ---------------------------------------- © 2011The Washington Post Company Washington Post Digital E-mail Customer Care 1150 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20071