PORTLAND — Mainers hoping Hurricane Irene will spin out to sea are out of luck.

John Jensenius of the National Weather Service says there’s “little to no chance” of a repeat of the last two hurricanes to target Maine, Kyle and Earl, both of which spun harmlessly to the east.

Irene is expected to make landfall in North Carolina on Saturday before tracking northward. Jensenius says the latest track would bring steady winds of 30 to 50 mph, and gusts up to 70 mph, to Maine.

Fishermen are moving their traps to deeper water.

Lobsterman Greg Griffin said younger fishermen have never seen the likes of a storm like Irene, which is expected to cause 30-foot seas. He says it’s a “career-ending storm” for those who don’t protect their boats and gear.


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