News DeskSeptember 3, 2011 06:17

It was about 95 miles away from the Louisiana city early Saturday, packing winds of 50 miles an hour.

81% of Texas at worst drought level

News DeskSeptember 1, 2011 19:30

Insurers gain after Irene blows away

News DeskAugust 29, 2011 18:08

Hurricane Irene leaves 21 dead as massive cleanup begins

News DeskAugust 29, 2011 07:34

Losses from the Hurricane mounted to about US $7 billion.

Hurricane Irene hits New York amid storm surge fears

News DeskAugust 28, 2011 08:31

The storm is moving slowly and expected to pass through New York City by Sunday afternoon, heading into New England.

At least 20 dead after Hurricane Irene lands

News DeskAugust 27, 2011 23:22

On Wall Street, sandbags were placed around subway grates near the East River because of fear of flooding and Manhattan appeared near deserted.

Hurricane Irene weakens slightly as rains hit US east coast

News DeskAugust 26, 2011 14:54

Hurricane Irene weakened slightly Friday as it left Bahamas, dropping to a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph.

New York, New Jersey and Delaware prepare for mass evacuation

News DeskAugust 25, 2011 15:42

The storm is threatening to cause the most havoc in the Northeast since Hurricane Gloria in 1985.

News DeskAugust 24, 2011 13:38

Earthquake no match for Martha's Vineyard, but Hurricane Irene?

President Barack Obama was said to have continued golfing on Martha's Vineyard when the great East Coast earthquake of 2011 struck, but hurricanes — historically at least — are a different matter.

Enlarge

US President Barack Obama (2nd L) putts on the first green at Farm Neck Golf Course in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, August 23, 2011, with Vernon Jordan (L), White House Trip Director Marvin Nicholson (2nd R) and Eric Whitaker (R). (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)

this story is part of globalpost's continuing coverage of world business. for more visit our new business page.

On Tuesday, Obama apparently brushed off the earthquake that, among other things, knocked over outdoor furniture in Virginia and closed the Washington Monument indefinitely, but found himself keeping track of Hurricane Irene.

Hurricane Irene pounds Bahamas on path to US east coast (VIDEO)

News DeskAugust 24, 2011 13:09

The National Hurricane Center says Irene may reach category 4 levels with peak winds near 135 mph in the next few days.