Tropical Depression Eight strengthened into Tropical Storm Hanna last night. As of the 1PM CDT advisory, Hanna had a minimum central pressure of 999 mb maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
Hanna is moving west-northwest but should turn to the west soon due to a building mid-level ridge to the north. Landfall will be sometime tomorrow afternoon in the Texas Coastal Bend.
Warm sea surface temperatures coupled with light to moderate wind shear should allow for continued strengthening up until landfall.
The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Hanna to have maximum sustained winds of 65 mph at landfall. However, a run at hurricane status can’t be ruled out.
Both the HWRF and HMON (tropical cyclone specific models) have Hanna reaching hurricane strength within the next 12 to 36 hours.
The main impact from Hanna will be heavy rain. As much as 6 to 10″ of rain is forecast across south Texas. However, rough surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding/storm surge can also be expected.
There will also be a wind impact, but it will be dependent on how much Hanna can strengthen in the coming hours.
