I believe this is why JB argued for a NC or East Coast hit- this ridge will either force Irene westward onto shore- or- it can very well ease its movement-or stop it dead in its tracks depending how strong the ridge will hold- or even force Irene to the NE- following the UKMET model.
There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends. ~Arnot Sheppard