Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

Charleston residents told to stay off streets

Officials are telling Charleston residents to stay off city streets when strong winds Tropical Storm Hanna are expected to brush the South Carolina coast this afternoon.

Charleston Country Emergency Preparedness Director Cathy Haynes said Friday the storm has tracked farther west and may bring gusts of 70 mph and storm surge of three feet to the area.

Mayor Joe Riley is urging residents to stay inside. If motorists have an accident, he says that will also put emergency responders at risk during the height of the storm.

As of late Friday morning, the storm had still not had much of an impact on Charleston. There was a breeze under gray skies with a stray shower.

— The Associated Press

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.