Not as bad as the south but its still a hurricane so it will do some damage. If you are prepared you'll be just fine.
It is extensive
There is no way of knowing for certain if Hurricane Irene will hit Richmond. Currently the storm is projected to make landfall in the Carolina, after which it will rapidly weaken. However, the city will probably feels some effects from Irene or its remnants even if it is not a direct hit
Hurricane Katrina inflicted massive damage on New Orleans.
New York State had 10 deaths as a result of 2011's Hurricane Irene. One of these deaths occurred in New York City, on City Island (which is part of the Bronx). A man drowned while attending to his boat in one of the island's marinas. See the Related Link below for more information about the effects of Hurricane Irene on New York.
Hurricane Irene was a category 3, but had weakened to a category 1 by the time it made landfall in the U.S.
Water was in the tunnnels
These years are unusual in that New York City was affected by hurricanes two years in a row, where hurricanes are generally rare. The first was Hurricane Irene in August of 2011 then Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012.
Far more damage was done in NJ than NY.
Yes. There was damage in Nassau, but the city was spared the worst winds of the eye wall.
Hurricane Jeanne was a devastating storm that damaged large parts of Florida, the Bahamas, and Grand Bahama. The storm also caused flood damage as far inland in the United States as West Virginia.
It depends on what it is classified on the Fujita scale, but usually, a bunch of damage is caused. It can't occur unless it is in or near water, anyways.
Could be a few hours or less, all depends on the wind and water damage