The tropics have definitely heated up as of late and it is no surprise that September 10th, statistically speaking, is the peak of hurricane season! As I am writing, Hanna is a Tropical Storm as and is on the cusp of becoming a hurricane. Either way, it is a serious storm that is packing intense winds that extend several hundred miles from the storm’s center. That is why even though the latest track keeps Hanna well to our east, we still have a slew of watches and warnings.

While many of us recall Isabel several years back, this system will be somewhat different as Isabel pushed up the bay at a slower pace with a predominant south, southeasterly flow. This time our strongest sustained winds will be from the east, northeast, affecting different coastal areas than before.

Tropical Storm Warnings extend along the bay and tidal rivers with Tropical Storm Wind Warnings for inland counties. The entire region east of the Blue Ridge Mountains is under a Flash Flood Watch. Bottom line: expect gusty winds and heavy downpours for a good portion of Saturday from mid morning though afternoon. That is not to say a rain band won’t start late tonight, but the most intense portion of the storm is tomorrow. When all is said and done the region could see 3 to 5 inches of rain with some isolated heavier amounts. In addition winds will be sustained around 30mph with gusts up to 50mph+, so if things on the porch, deck or lawn aren’t bolted down, you may want to bring them in.

Historically speaking, it is the rain from Tropical Systems that can help alleviate drought conditions, and while the year as a whole has seen an abundance of rain, August was very dry. So Hanna will help alleviate the deficit and then rapidly be on her way up the eastern seaboard. But in the meantime, while there are many hours between us and the storm there are some preps you can do to get ready. Check your gutters and storm drains to make sure they are clear from debris. You may want to make sure your sum pump is ready for action as well. Also, with the wind, make sure nothing loose is left lying around and bring in your decorative flag poles.

As seen in the recent impact of Hurricane Gustav in New Orleans, preparation is key to being safe during a weather event. While our Hanna resembles Gustav in no way, the principle is the same. The good news is that as quickly as she moves in, she moves out and Sunday will feature lots of sunshine and mild conditions. In fact the pattern remains calm into next week, but a powerful Hurricane Ike looms in the Atlantic with Tropical Storm Josephine on her heels, so who knows what the future holds? Stay with the Storm Watch 7 Team for the latest on all tropical weather.