Easley Prepares for Hurricane Irene

As Hurricane Irene continues to approach the U.S. coastline, local authorities are prepared to deal with heavy rains and strong winds caused by the storm.

Recent reports from the National Hurricane Center show Hurricane Irene making contact with the U.S. coastline in North Carolina around 2 p.m. on Saturday but the Upstate could still see a significant impact from the storm.

"We could see some flooding due to the heavy rain in certain areas," Easley Police Chief William Traber said.

Fleetwood Drive, Pendleton Street, McAlister Road and several other side streets are typically affected during heavier storms.

"If it gets really bad we could end up closing some of those streets," Traber said. "Those places could get very treacherous."

The Easley Police Department may have to step up patrols and operate a storm command center to handle the increase of calls during the storm.

"People just don't realize how deep the water can get in those situations," Traber said.

The Easley Fire Department began preparing for the storm on Wednesday morning.

"This morning our crews started going through and getting our chainsaws and wood processing equipment ready in case we need to clear trees that fall in the roads," Easley Fire Chief Butch Womack said.

Although Hurricane Irene is not expected to hit the upstate directly, the strong winds could cause damage in the region. Chief Womack said to minimize damage from the storm Easley residents should take some precautionary action.

"They need to be looking for trees and debris in the yard that need to cut today and not wait for the storm," Womack said. He also suggested residents secure any patio furniture and other loose materials in the yard that could cause damage.

"Not only will it damage your home but it could cause damage to a neighbors home."

The Easley Fire Department is prepared for any situations that may occur here but they are also prepared to send crews to areas in the state that are impacted by more severe weather. 

"Anywhere in the state that gets hit hard and their resources are tied up they may call us and at that time we'd start preparing our guys to go there and help," Womack said.