The projected path of Hurricane Irene has shifted ever so slightly west, meaning more of eastern North Carolina will be crossed by the storm.  This motion is expected to continue through tonight with a turn toward the north by early Friday. The core of the hurricane is forecast to move north of the northwestern Bahamas later today and pass well offshore of the East Coast of central and north Florida tonight and early Friday. The hurricane is forecast to approach the coast of North Carolina on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with higher gusts. Irene is a Category Three hurricane. Some strengthening is possible today and tonight. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for north of Surf City, N.C., to the N.C.-Va. border. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for north of Edisto Beach, SC, to Surf City, NC.