Update: Fox Business LIVE 6pm ET Sunday

As we continue to monitor the path of Hurricane Irene we have changed our broadcast plans.  We’ll be starting our live coverage two hours earlier.  As I wrote yesterday, and as I monitor the coverage now, there are a few key things I’ll be watching for as Irene heads north.  As of now there are power outages in North Carolina and Virginia as Irene is now moving out of the region.  There are some refinery disruptions reported from Conoco, Hess, and Sunoco but their outpout is relatively small and as of now doesn’t affect overall domestic levels for the U.S.

When Fox Business goes to air Sunday evening many questions will be answered as to the size and speed of Hurricane Irene.  While the East Coast from the Carolinas to Massachusetts seems to be especially prepared, I can tell you from  years of covering storms like these….expect the unexpected.  Hurricanes can change track on a dime, and Fox Business will be live Sunday monitoring the storm.  There are concerns right now about the economic impact the storm could have on the U.S. due to the densely populated region Irene is taking aim at.  Many of the big insurance companies like Hartford Financial, Prudential, and Allstate will see a potential effect depending on what Irene does.  We’ll be looking at those stocks and more when U.S. Futures begin trading at 6pm ET Sunday.  I’m also watching some of the big energy names like Consolidated Edison and Public Service Enterprise Group who have already issued statements that Irene could create long power outages for their customers.  I’m also watching First Energy Corp which owns Jersey Central Power and Light.  One of the interesting and probably good things is that governors, mayors, and local authorities are getting ahead of the storm.  With a SOE already in place in several states, that gives them the leverage they need to ask for federal funds.  Obviously, the President is going to be monitoring that piece of the equation as well.  The United States learned many lessons from Katrina, and I’m sure no one wants to see that type of situation play out here in New York or elsewhere.  See you Sunday night, 8pmET, on the Fox Business Network.