Hurricane Irene was a powerful tropical storm that formed in August 2011. It originated in the Atlantic Ocean and became a Category 3 hurricane, impacting several states along the U.S. East Coast, including North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York. The storm caused significant damage due to strong winds and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. The hurricane made landfall on August 27, 2011, and was one of the first major storms to hit the East Coast in years. It resulted in millions of dollars in damages and prompted evacuations in many areas. FEMA and local agencies worked to provide assistance to affected communities.