Obama returns home early from vacation as Hurricane Irene roars up East Coast

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has arrived at Andrews Air Force Base after shortening his Martha’s Vineyard vacation because of Hurricane Irene.

Obama had planned to return to the White House on Saturday. A spokesman says the president decided Friday morning to cut his vacation short because he wanted to be at the White House when the Category 2 storm makes landfall. Irene was expected to hit North Carolina on Saturday.

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( Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press ) - President Barack Obama arrives to speak about Hurricane Irene during a news conrference in Chilmark, Mass. on Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011.

Before leaving Martha’s Vineyard, Obama urged millions of people in Irene’s path to obey instructions from their state and local officials, including orders to evacuate if told to do so.

Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha had been on the island getaway off Massachusetts since Aug. 18.

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