Seriously Calm Before the Storm

Hurricane Irene Update Aug 27th 2011: I went down to the beach. Dead calm. I mean like uncanny calm. No wind, no waves, no nothing. Just calm like I have never seen before. Is this the calm before the storm?  We’re still predicted to have it hit us, but they have toned down the forecasts. They are saying gusts to 50mph now. My backyard is ship shape and ready. My deck furniture is upside down and tied down to the rails.