Utica, NY (WIBX) - This afternoon the local Red Cross is participating in a telephone briefing with the President and CEO of the non-profit group, to provide an update on available services for those affected by Hurricane Irene.  Red Cross officials are reporting that thousands of people have been affected by the storm and expect relief efforts to be a large operation, and last for several weeks. They say even though damage has not been severe in some areas, there are many places where river flooding is occurring or imminent. Delivery efforts are being organized for North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York,Connecticut, Rhode Island and New England. Leading the discussion at 2:00 p.m. will be Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Charley Shimanski, Senior Vice President, Disaster Services.

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