As Tropical Storm Hanna Approaches, Weather Worsens in Charleston, South Carolina

Tropical storm Hanna, the newest storm of this already busy hurricane season, is currently working its way towards the U.S. coast. According to NOAA, this storm that has kept many guessing as to its size and course is sitting some 120 miles off South Carolina and seems to be building strength.

I am currently just a few miles south of the projected land fall site near Charleston, South Carolina. The weather today in and around Charleston has slowly worsened, seeing Hanna send strong winds and heavy rain in all directions. I did take some time to venture into town and I found many taking no chances as they boarded up shops and homes. The streets have been unusually bare as most businesses shut down early letting workers go home to prepare for Hanna's arrival.

My weather radio has been extremely noisy today as it has been reporting some new tornado watch or hurricane update. All of us are bracing for what is expected to be a very mild storm, however, the newest reports show Hanna picking up speed and gaining strength.

Many of us have chosen to ride the storm out here in the Carolinas, however the constant weather updates claiming the storm is building strength has made many of us wonder if riding any hurricane out is ever a wise decision.

The rain has fallen steadily today and the far reaching storm bands of Hanna are currently blanketing the island where I live. The much needed rain to our area is nice to see but the looming threats of flash floods are causing many of us to take precautions. The wind has been gusty today, slowly picking up speed and making many hope that Hanna will leave just as quickly from our coast as she has arrived.

According to Charleston news, numerous emergency centers in and around the Hurricane watch area are taking in those that want to evacuate. Local reports are claiming that most of these centers are going unfilled leaving emergency workers with little to do but wait for the aftermath.