Based on the 11 am forecast, Emerald Isle is expected to begin experiencing tropical storm force winds around 3 pm this afternoon, and experience hurricane winds by 4 am on Saturday. The initial rain bands associated with Irene will begin later this afternoon. Based on the current forecast track, the eye of Irene is expected to make landfall near Cape Lookout, approximately 30 miles east of Emerald Isle, at about 9 am Saturday. Irene is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph at landfall.