Tales of Irene: Did we over react?
August 27, 2011 1100 hrs EDT (Maryland) I have been watching Irene with interest, both as a resident of the east coast and as an emergency management practitioner. I have been impressed with the planning and preparation so far, surprised by some of the doom and gloom, and now listening to those that think that everyone overreacted. So, I am prompted to impose my opinions on my readers once again... The short answer to the question of overreactions is, IMHO, that it was not overreacting based on what the emergency managers had in the way of a forecast. Hurricanes are unique, and preparedness officials are blessed, in that there is a lot of warning with tropical systems - almost too much it seems. The problem is there is not as much certainly as we would like. Forecast tracks change all the time and forecast strength is also seldom correct. But you need to work with what you have. Evacuations are a tool to save lives. Getting people out o...