First bands of Hanna strike SC’s Grand Strand

Bands of rain and wind have started to move into the Grand Strand from Tropical Storm Hanna.

The National Weather Service says the beaches of Horry and Georgetown counties are already getting sustained winds of tropical storm force, or over 39 mph.

The rain and winds are expected to get steadier and stronger after sundown, with the worst of the weather expected as the storm makes landfall early Saturday morning.

Forecasters say tides are already running a foot above normal. The ocean could rise four to six feet on top of high tide around midnight. The last high tide around noon reached the dunes in Myrtle Beach.

Some minor flooding has been reported, but no wind damage so far.