The Virginia earthquake shutdown at least one nuclear power plant, but Hurricane Irene could hit dozens more.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has sent personnel to the Brunswick nuclear plant, on the North Carolina coastline where Irene is expected to make landfall.

NRC regulations call for nuclear reactors to be completely shut down several hours ahead of the arrival of hurricane-force winds of 75 mph or greater.

There are at least seven nuclear power plants in the projected path of Hurricane Irene.