From NBC Washington

Hurricane Irene is hurtling toward the East Coast and could possibly force a delay in Sunday’s long-planned dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall.

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Park Service spokesman Bill Line told News4 that the Park Service “is closely monitoring” the weather and has had meetings on possible contingency plans. The spokesman emphasized that nothing is expected to be decided for at least the next 24 to 48 hours.

NBC Washington: Hurricane Irene Gaining Strength

In the worst case, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior could order that the Sunday ceremony — for which hundreds of thousands are expected — be delayed a day until Monday. That could cause massive scheduling problems for out-of-town visitors with hotel and travel plans.

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