CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #9

At 5:00 am, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 24.0 North, Longitude 72.8West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. It is expected that Hanna will increase slightly in strength over the next several days and CEMA will remain in Operating Condition 4 to monitor her progress.

On Friday evening, Chatham County residents can expect slightly higher tides, 2-4 inches of rain, and the possibility of 25-35 mph wind with gusts reaching 45 mph. Chatham County will remain under a Tropical Storm WATCH until further notice by the National Weather Service.

Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the storm and to expect power outages in some parts of the County. Anyone who is dependant on electricity for medical purposes should be making preparations now.

During a 5:15 am conference call with the National Weather Service – Charleston, Chatham County Officials discussed the need to respond to Hanna’s projected path. Chatham County Officials are continuing to monitor Hanna’s path but will not issue any evacuation orders at this time. Another 11:15 am conference call is scheduled with the National Weather Service.

Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.