Irene's windfield is expanding, it may not be as strong in the center as a typical smaller storm, but the strong winds will cover a much wider area. Based on the GFDL in North Carolina hurricane force winds may be felt quite a ways inland away from the center near the coast, especially if the track drifts any westward. Right now Irene is about the level of Ike was at landfall in 2008, but larger area wise.

Unfortunately, at this point odds favor that it will be a history making storm from about North Carolina northeastward through new England. Please take evacuations seriously, and heed local media officials. Most of the Northeast along the coast is likely to be without power for a while after it passes.