RALEIGH - Governor Roy Cooper is urging all of North Carolina to prepare for Hurricane Florence. Cooper says residents, businesses and visitors should prepare for the storm in a release sent by the state on Sunday.
Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center show Florence becoming a major hurricane by early in the week and tracking toward the southeastern United States. Cooper declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina on Friday.
"Everyone in North Carolina needs to keep a close eye on Florence and take steps now to get ready for impacts later this week," Gov. Cooper said. "State emergency management, transportation, health experts and others are making sure North Carolina is prepared for the storm, and I urge the public to review your emergency plans and gather your supplies now."
UNC Wilmington has issued a voluntary evacuation for students starting at noon Monday. NC State is closely monitoring the forecast for Hurricane Florence related to potential impacts for its home football game against West Virginia Saturday.
The state says Florence is already being felt along the coast with sea swells resulting in strong, life-threatening rip currents and surf.
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