We seem to have survived Irene quite nicely in my little corner of the world. Lots of rain, less wind than I anticipted, and sump pump keeping up with the water means that all my area got out of it was some heavy rain. I don't even see any branches or debris littering my front yard, just a few puddles. If we had lost electricity I suspect my basement would be flooded by now, but we didn't so I'm a relatively happy camper.
Those closer to the coast did not fare as well. I'd only have to drive east for less than half an hour to reach areas that were hard hit, still flooded, and without power. I consider myself lucky.