SOUTHERN MARYLAND (Sept. 6, 2008, 3:00 p.m.)—The center of tropical storm Hanna will soon pass over the area. One hour earlier today, the center of the storm was just northeast of Williamsburg, Va. The National Weather Service expects, that given its current track, the center of the storm will pass directly over Point Lookout.
NWS reports that maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. There have been numerous reports of sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph over So. Md., according to the NWS.
NWS also predicts that Hanna will weaken and lose tropical storm characteristics on Sunday.
The College of Southern Maryland announced around 11:00 a.m. that all campuses would close at noon due to the weather.
The St. Mary's County government announced late this morning that sandbags were being made available at the Charlotte Hall Convenience Center beginning at about 11:30 a.m. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
The Charlotte Hall Convenience Center is located at 37766 New Market Turner Road, off MD Rte. 6 approximately ¼ mile east of the intersection with MD Rte. 235 on the left-hand side.
Around 10:00 a.m., the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County declared a local state of emergency in St. Mary's County yesterday which will be in effect for up to seven days. Declaration of a local state of emergency activates emergency plans and authorizes provision of aid and assistance.
Calvert County has activated public emergency hotlines 410-535-0396 or 410-535-0314 for storm information. Residents are advised to call 911 only for emergencies. The County has posted other information at http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/emergency/TSHANNA.asp .