Hanna Racing North...8 P.M. Update

It's showtime for Tropical Storm Hanna along the East Coast. The storm is now located just under 200 miles south-southwest of Wilimington, NC. As it moves up along the coast overnight, we'll see the outer rainbands bring some heavier showers...with the heaviest rain coming tomorrow. Very heavy rain is likely to occur between 10 A.M. and 5 P.M., with a Flash Flood Watch posted for the entire area. Tropical storm force winds are possible throughout the day along the coast and isolated tornadoes are also possible. Here's the rundown on what to expect:

LOCATION, MOVEMENT AND STRENGTH (as of the 8 P.M. NHC advisory)

-- About 200 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, NC
-- Moving north at 20 mph
-- Maximum sustained winds are at 70 mph and Hanna could become a hurricane before making landfall late tonight in either northern SC or southern NC
-- Tropical storm force winds extend outward 290 miles from the center

EXPECTED RAINFALL & WIND

-- A general 3-4 inch rainfall is likely across central and eastern Virginia, with local amounts up to 10 inches
-- Sustained winds near the coast of 30-40 mph with gusts over 50 mph
-- Sustained winds in Metro Richmond of 15-30 mph with gusts to around 40 mph possible

CURRENT WATCHES/WARNINGS (as of the 8 P.M. NHC advisory)

Tropical Storm Warning: From Altamaha Sound, GA north to Sandy Hook, NJ (including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, all of Chesapeake Bay, the Tidal Potamac, Washington, D.C. and Delaware Bay

Hurricane Watch: From north of Edisto Beach, SC to Currituck Beach Light, NC, including Pamlico Sound

Tropical Storm Watch: From north of Sandy Hook, NJ to Merrimack River, MA, including Long Island, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

THE FORECAST TRACK & INTENSITY

Below is the latest hurricane model output, with the forecast track from the various runs and the intensity forecast...