11 AM Update: Hanna Accelerating to the NW

The 11 AM update from the National Hurricane Center shows that Hanna continues as a strong tropical storm with max winds of 65 mph.  The speed of the storm has increased to 20 mph, and continues in a northwesterly direction.  Although the westerlies will eventually steer Hanna to the north and eventually to the northeast, I think the momentum of the storm will result in a landfall a little farther south than in previous forecasts.  Hanna should move onshore just north of Charleston, SC at 4 AM Saturday.  A gradual turn to the north and northeast will bring the storm over Raleigh and then Richmond.  The center of Hanna should be over the Northern Neck at 8 PM Saturday evening.  I'll have another update as soon as new data arrives at 2 PM today.

Zach