Irene: Hurricane Storm Tracker and Weather Channel Overload?

Storm tracker: Sites for following hurricanes
http://cnet.co/nrs9Ip

ATLANTA, GA - Finding a balance between getting information out in order to warn people and giving too much information is a fine line that modern media corporations need to walk during large events like Hurricane Irene. With too much hype, hysteria in NYC, Philadelphia and Jersey may be the result. On the other hand, with too little preparation, lots of people can get into trouble.

Hurricane Katrina is still on the minds of many people. The federal government has ran tests preparing for an event such as this, and warning the public is probably one of the best things that can be done so that people prepare. That is, unless they go overboard and people begin to panic and go into a frenzy.

With mass transportation being shut down in New York City this weekend, it is obvious that the government at all levels is taking Hurricane Irene seriously. That is not to say that Fox News, The Weather Channel and other news and information outlets may have hyped the storm a bit too much. With the storm still heading inland and the weekend not over yet, the nation hopes it's not that bad but are ready if it is.

From social networks like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to new technologies like texting and email, it has never been easier to keep in touch - when the power stays on. While the storm crawls up the east coast, many people are hoping that the damage is not too bad. Preparation is good and there is something to be said about getting the information out days before the storm hit.

Governor Christie telling people to "get the hell off the beach" was played over and over Friday by The Weather Channel and other news organizations.

In a way, Governor Christie summed up the feeling of many people who were watching people at the beach in New York enjoying a wonderful Friday afternoon.

The New Yorker asked residents to make sure they are prepared, but turn off the Weather Channel and make sure they aren't caught up in the hype.

As the storm continues to do real damage to property along the coast line, the preparations and warnings will be put to the test as America faces a large weather event.