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The energy sector on the east coast is bracing itself for widespread disruptions and damage as hurricane Irene careens up the eastern seaboard. The area’s nuclear power plants, natural gas pipelines, power lines and oil ports are all expected to be hit.

According , the region has around 12 nuclear power plants, a massive oil port in New York City, and power lines and pipe lines that service 100 million people. Gloria, the most recent hurricane to hit the area in 1985, left 2.2 million people without power and caused $1.84 billion in damages in today’s dollars.

According to MDA Weathershet, New York City could experience winds of more than of 75 miles per hour. The good news is that at least two, if not all, of the nuclear power plants in the region were built to withstand hurricane force winds.

Utilities throughout the area have enacted emergency plans and are stockpiling materials like diesel to run backup generators.

To track the path of the hurricane, check out or head over to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration’s