Hurricane Irene Causes New York City Weekend Cancellations

It is the biggest storm the city will have braced in decades. Indeed, the last hurricane to hit the region was Floyd in 1999. But on Sunday, August 28, Hurricane Irene is predicted to hit the East Coast. Now declared a Category 2 hurricane further south in Virginia and the Carolinas, the storm is expected to weaken to a Category 1 by the time it hits the New York City area, with winds up to 90 mph. New York City is among the areas expected to experience the worst conditions on the norther east coast this weekend. Mayor Bloomberg has already ordered the evacuation of several hospital and nursing home facilities in the lower lying areas of the city downtown, however he has not yet called for a larger-scale evacuation.

According to published reports, several New York City events have been cancelled this weekend. Here's the cancellations update:

The Actors Fund's special benefit performance of The Book of Mormon: 8/28
New date to be announced soon.

The Big Apple Performing Arts Street Festival: 8/28
Postponed for later this fall.

The Metropolitan Opera's outdoor opera film festival at Lincoln Center Plaza: 8/27-28
Don Pasquale and Simon Boccanegra moved to Monday at 8:30 p.m. 

The Dave Matthews Band festival on Governors Island: 8/27-28
Ticket holders for Saturday and Sunday can attend on Friday. Rescheduled dates not yet announced.

Rib Rock Festivals at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater and PNC Bank Arts Center: 8/27-28
Refunds will be given.

FringeNYC events/closing night party: 8/28
Tickets refunded in full. Awards will be announced online instead. 

Pinkalicious the Musical and Angelina Ballerina The Musical: 8/27-28
Reservations will be honored at a later performance

BroadwayWorld will continue to bring you updates throughout the day of any changes taking place on Broadway this weekend.