Melissa Keeney Reports on Hanna from the South Carolina Coast

Check out our complete Hanna Coverage, including resources and aid links.

Landfall: shortly before 3 a.m.
Very strong winds are still reported in Myrtle Beach, south of the landfall area. Light rain is falling. Power can be seen flickering on and off.

Saturday **2:34 a.m.**
Strong winds continue to Myrtle and North Myrtle Beach as Tropical Storm Hanna gets closer to landfall.

Power outages are sporadic throughout the area, including along sections of Ocean Boulevard, the main artery by the water.

Very few thrill seekers could be seen along the water, as the conditions worsen by the minute. Local authorities have also closed part of US 17 in Georgetown, due to flooding. It will remain closed until Hanna passes.

Friday **10:25 p.m.**
For a town not too troubled by storms, Myrtle Beach looks empty. Stores are closed, streets are quiet, people are ready for Hanna’s first appearance.

The scene is a much different story from earlier today as residents and tourists gathered for a glimpse of the storm’s big show. Beach police patrolled the sand to give the warning: Hanna is almost here.

Elsewhere it was last minute boarding up and packing up for families like the Ednies of Pennsylvania.

Most hope Hanna is over just as quickly as it began.

Friday **5:24 p.m.**
Residents along Myrtle Beach are anxious to see what Hanna has in store for them.

With last minute preparations, businesses don’t seem to be willing to take any chances.

“It’s like the calm before the storm. Look around, you wouldn’t know anything’s going to happen,“ Tommy Snee, one resident said.

The Ednie Family said they won’t wait around to find out.

They’re heading back to Pittsburgh a day early.

Up and down the Grand Strand others are leaving too as hotels are checking guests out early in anticipation of Hanna’s arrival.

Friday **3:26**
The rain has stopped, at least for now in Myrtle Beach, where residents and remaining tourists await the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna.  Rain and wind from the storm came off and on, throughout the late morning and early afternoon Friday.

Excited visitors gathered at the 2nd Street pier along the Grand Strand to take pictures of the big surf.  Red flags are up all along the beach, as lifeguards warn people to stay out of the water.  One visitor told Newschhannel Seven’s Melissa Keeney they’re hoping for their “first hurricane” and are not going to let Hanna dampen their vacation.

Friday **1:40pm**

Conditions are quickly going downhill along Myrtle Beach, as the outer bands of Tropical Storm Hanna make their way closer to the coast.  Heavy rain and stronger winds have started to come on shore.

Up and down the beach, activity has picked up as some people are deciding whether to leave before Hanna hits.  There was a long line of people at the Greyhound station, hoping to catch a ticket out of town.  Local hotels and condos are also checking visitors out early.  One couple from Pittsburgh told Newschannel Seven’s Melissa Keeney they’re cutting their vacation a day short.  “We’d rather get ahead of the storm, before it gets bad,“ they said.