The latest storms come on the heels of Gustav, whose aftermath had Louisiana residents living in shelters and without power. Aid agencies now face the task of trying to assist everyone potentially at risk from all the storms.

In 2004, David Paulison, then the preparedness director and now the chief of FEMA, said three major hurricanes in just over a month had strained — but did not ultimately hobble — the agency's resources and staffing.

On Thursday, FEMA officials said they prepared in advance for this season, sending teams to Louisiana while others planned for Hanna.

The American Red Cross was moving supplies, equipment and people into areas Hanna might affect, said spokesman Pat McCrummen. McCrummen said the organization has distributed 3.5 million meals to people affected by Gustav and supplies for the East Coast were in nearby warehouses.

The Associated Press contributed to this report