Charleston mayor warns Hanna could be dangerous storm

By: Associated Press | SCNow
Published: September 02, 2008

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ Charleston Mayor Joe Riley warns Tropical Storm Hanna could become a dangerous hurricane as it approaches the South Carolina.

Riley, the public face of Charleston during Hurricane Hugo and the recovery almost 20 years ago, says once Hanna makes its move to the northwest, it may do so quickly, moving as much as 20 miles per hour.

That, he says, will shorten the opportunity for people to evacuate.

Riley added Tuesday that Hanna could also grain strength quickly, depending on how it interacts with the warm currents of the Gulf Stream.

While some long-time Charlestonians may think Hanna won't compare with Hugo's 135 mph winds, Riley says some areas away from Hugo's eye didn't see conditions as bad as Hanna may bring.