Some Irene statistics

Here are some maps of Irene rainfall (Maryland and the eastern US) and wind gusts (in N. Carolina and Maryland). The precipitation estimates I believe come primarily from radar, perhaps augmented with gauge data. Note the axis of heavy rain left-of-track, which is unusual for such a storm. Perhaps it interacted (un)favorably with an upper-level trough to produce such heavy rainfall. Several local soundings (Wallops Island, Dulles, Albany) showed strong warm air advection profiles before the arrival, probably enhancing the rainfall totals.