FAMILIES in New Jersey are today preparing to evacuate as Hurricane Irene looms on the radar.

It was battering the Bahamas yesterday while it moved north-northwest as a Category 3 storm, with winds of 125mph. The islands were also pounded by storm surges - leading to fears of flooding and landslides.

The east coast of the USA is next in line and last night the Mayor of New Jersey told 750,000 people they should prepare to evacuate.