U.S. warns travelers of storm risks

The State Department urged Americans on Saturday to be aware of the risks caused by Tropical Storm Hanna to people traveling to the Bahamas and to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The travel alert urged U.S. citizens who are lacking safe shelter and likely to be affected by the tropical storm to consider leaving while commercial flights are still available.

On Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said Hanna was projected to pass near Turks and Caicos late today or on Monday, then curl through the Bahamas by early next week. As it spun over open waters, Hanna had sustained winds near 50 mph late Saturday afternoon.

The U.S. embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, will be available for emergency services, although during the storm it may have to suspend regular operations without notice.

The travel alert said U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents, including passports, birth certificates and photo IDs, with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. Americans in the areas affected by the storm were reminded to stay in contact with family and friends in the U.S.