is with us. good day to you, bill. there is a lot of focus in virginia and new jersey and the city of new york that is getting a lot of attention, however, north carolina is getting pounded by irene. senatorings, how bad is it? we have 200,000 people without power and what we are concerned about the storms, and the flooding that will take place. and we just have done a good job getting the tourist out. but the residents who are still in their homes, they certainly need to stay there. senator, are you getting reports on damage? there is certainly damage, but i have been speaking with the emergency management director and we have excellent response and resources for them to go to. swift water rescue and 280