We don’t want to minimize the seriousness of the threat Tropical Storm/Maybe Category 1 Hurricane Hanna potentially poses to the D.C. Metro area. As of mid-day on Friday, our favorite weather guys are saying 2-4 inches of rain and winds that could reach sustained speeds of 30 mph and occasional gusts to 50 mph. Should the storm intensify, we could easily see 3-7 inches of rain. That’s a real storm, folks. It could even be a little freaky: minor flooding, power outages, frogs, etc. But it’s also only going to last for about one day, it’s not going to be as bad as Isabel, and there’s really no need to stockpile supplies more than what you probably normally keep on hand: a flashlight and enough food and toilet paper to last a day or two, in the event Pepco isn’t able to get the power back on right away (and that’s assuming your power even goes out at all).

That said, we all know how the sensitive creatures who live in Washington react to a little dusting of snow, so please: if you go to the grocery store on your way home tonight, keep your elbows to yourself and your attitude in check. It’s going to be OK. Really.

What reasonable things should you do to prepare for the storm? Make sure your flashlight has working batteries. Secure any plastic patio furniture or garbage cans to make sure they don’t blow into the street. Bring your outside plants inside. If your roof leaks, make sure you know where your bucket is. Check the weather forecast again later for any updates. That’s pretty much it.

Image from the National Hurricane Center