Speedy Hanna targets East Coast
Florida keeping wary eye on a strengthening Ike
Not far behind was a much bigger worry: a ferocious-looking Hurricane Ike, on a path similar to the one taken by Andrew, the Category 5 monster that devastated South Florida in 1992. Ike could hit Florida by the middle of next week.
Emergency officials urged evacuations in only a few spots in the Carolinas and about 400 people went to shelters in both states. Forecasters said there was only a small chance Hanna could become a hurricane, and most people simply planned to stay off the roads until the storm passed.
"My vacation lasts through Sunday," said Jesse King of Asheboro, N.C., who hid under a Myrtle Beach pier as winds picked up and bursts of blinding rain fell Friday evening. "They are going to have to tell me I have to leave if they want me to go before Sunday."
Rain started falling early Friday on the Carolina coast, with streets in some spots flooding by late afternoon and wind gusts hitting 45 mph as the leading edges of the storm approached land, making people gathered on beaches shout to be heard.
Terry Hash arrived in Myrtle Beach on Thursday, ready to celebrate her 50th birthday with college friends from Colgate University at the Raiders football game against Coastal Carolina.
"I'm not worried because it's not a Category 4," Hash said. "I just love the beach when it's stormy. It really shows the power the ocean has."
As night fell and clouds gathered, residents and visitors flocked to the main beach at Atlantic Beach, N.C.
"I'm glad it's not as bad as they were predicting," said 84-year-old May Craig Kernodle of Burlington as she held her walker.
Several inches of rain were expected in the Carolinas, as well as central Virginia, Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. Some spots could see up to 10 inches, and forecasters warned of the potential for flash flooding in the northern mid-Atlantic states and southern New England. -->
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said people in low-lying areas, mobile homes, camping trailers or places susceptible to wind damage should consider leaving.
In Wilmington, Kirby King, a 50-year-old Army veteran, arrived at a shelter in an elementary school housing about 140 other people, but said he didn't think the storm would be bad.
Recent comments
Pray 4 us. Miami, Florida - Friday night the government of the Bahamas…
Brother Chuck Schroeder | Sept. 6, 2008 at 1:09 p.m.
Friday night the government of the Bahamas issued a hurricane warning…
Brother Chuck Schroeder | Sept. 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
