Hanna's effects to be strongest this afternoon

If you have not stocked up on basic needs for potential emergencies: water, batteries, and other items, you had better move now.

Tropical Storm Hanna will drench the area today, dropping about 5½ inches of rain, with 30 to 40 mph winds and stronger gusts this afternoon - when the storm is expected to be strongest in the area - before she passes later this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

As usual those winds will likely cause power outages throughout the area which can take days to repair. Being ready is key.

The weather service, in Sterling, Va. called a Tropical Storm Warning at about 11...