Hanna threat continues for Cape

Tropical Storm Watches are inching up the east coast. Here is the 5pm EDT watch summary from the NHC:

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA/VIRGINIA BORDER NORTHWARD TO GREAT EGG INLET NEW JERSEY...INCLUDING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY...THE TIDAL POTOMAC...WASHINGTON D.C...AND THE DELAWARE BAY. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS.

Tropical Storm Watches will likely be issued for portions of the southeast New England coastline tomorrow. I have little concern for winds here. The Cape and islands could receive some strong wind gusts up to 60mph but much less inland. Main issue will be potential for flooding rains. As I suggested yesterday, the GFS guidance has shifted the axis of heaviest rain to the southeast. The HPC has also shifted SE a little. At this point, my forecast goes unchanged for Keene with 1.0 to 1.5 inches of rain through Sunday morning. The axis of heaviest rain extending from west-central CT through SE NH will include totals of 3.5 to 5 inches.