... Tropical Storm Wind Warning remains in effect from 7 PM this
evening to 8 am EDT Saturday...
... New information...
The center of Tropical Storm Hanna is now about 425 miles south
of Wilmington. A Tropical Storm Wind Warning remains in effect
across interior portions of southeastern North Carolina and
northeastern South Carolina including Robeson... Bladen...
Columbus... Dillon... Florence... Marion... and Williamsburg counties.
A Tropical Storm Wind Warning means tropical storm force winds are
expected within the next 24 hours.
... Areas affected...
This statement recommends actions to be taken by persons in...
southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina.
... Watches/warnings...
No additional hazards are in effect.
... Storm information...
At 800 am EDT... the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located
near latitude 28.2 north... longitude 78.8 west or about 115
miles... east of Melbourne Florida and about 425 miles... south of
Wilmington North Carolina.
Hanna is moving toward the northwest near 18 mph. A gradual turn
to the north with an increase in forward speed is expected later
today. On the forecast track... the center of Hanna will be near
the southeast coast of the United States later today.
However... rains and winds associated with Hanna will reach the
coast well in advance of the center.
Reports from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft
indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 65 mph...
with higher gusts. Only slight strengthening is forecast prior to
landfall... although it is still possible for Hanna to become a
hurricane.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 miles from
the center.
The minimum central pressure just reported by the aircraft was
980 mb... or 28.94 inches.
Hanna is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 2 to
4 inches with isolated amounts up to 6 inches across the inland
portions of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South
Carolina.
... Winds...
Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to develop
this evening... and continue until just before daybreak Saturday.
Wind gusts near 60 mph are possible tonight. Some damage may
occur in Mobile home Parks and to weak trees. Newly planted trees
and shrubs may be uprooted if not secured properly.
... Inland flooding...
Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are likely along the track of
the storm. Isolated rainfall amounts up to around 6 inches are
possible in a few locations. This amount of rainfall could result
in flooding of normally flood-prone locations with poor drainage.
... Tornadoes...
There is a slight risk of tornadoes later today and tonight.
... Next update...
This statement will be updated by noon EDT.