Tropical storm Hanna has gained speed and is closing in on the Carolinas.

The storm is moving at 20 miles per hour but is expected to speed up and possibly double its speed by tomorrow.

Forecasters predict Hanna will make landfall overnight along the northern coast of South Carolina.

Hanna is close to hurricane strength with maximum sustained winds near 70 miles per hour.

Hanna promises to bring heavy rain, gusty wind and beach erosion along the Atlantic coast.

We can't do much about the rain or the wind but crews are shoring up the beaches here.

Many say they've been through worse than what Hanna offers.

"It's going to be a tropical storm. There's going to be a breeze through here. It's going to a little bit of things like blowing limbs...loose limbs and stuff. I'm worried about Ike. That's what I'm thinking about,” said South Carolina resident, Donn Hinkle.

That kind of thinking has some public officials concerned.

"I want people to stay focused on Hanna, not worry so much about Ike right now. There's going to be enough to worry about with Hanna. So take this storm seriously especially the flooding and downed trees that may occur,” said North Carolina Governor, Mike Easley.

Businesses have finished protecting their stores.

Shoppers have picked up necessities such as water, meat, and even cookies.

The latest forecast has Hanna making landfall overnight.

"It's going to be coming through the county in total darkness so visibility is going to be an issue, assessing property is going to be an issue,” said Emergency Director, Warren Lee.

Tropical storm Hanna is just under hurricane strength.

It should make landfall along the border of north and South Carolina.