Several North Carolina counties will open emergency shelters ahead of Hurricane Dorian.
The National Weather Service has downgraded Hurricane Dorian to a Category 2 hurricane, however flash flooding, strong winds and rip currents are still a possibility beginning Wednesday or Thursday.
Governor Roy Cooper issued a mandatory evacuation for those who live on the coastal area.
"I urge residents to take these orders and this storm seriously," he said at a recent press conference. "It takes time to evacuate the barrier islands so now is the time to act. Start moving well before the storm in order to get to safety. Do not try to ride it out."
The shelters throughout North Carolina include:
Durham County
Shelter opens at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3
Old Sears store at North Gate Mall: 1058 W Club Blvd, Durham, NC
New Hanover County
Shelters open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4
Holly Shelter Middle School: 3921 Roger Haynes Dr. Castle Hayne, NC (accepts pets)
Codington Elementary: 4321 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC
Brunswick County
Shelters open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4
*both shelters accept pets
North Burnswick High School: 114 Scropion Drive, Leland, NC
West Brunswick High School: 550 Whiteville Road, Shallotte, NC
Pender County
Shelters open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4
Cape Fear Middle School: 1886 NC-133, Rocky Point, NC (accepts pets)
Malpass Corners Elementary: 4992 Malpass Corner Rd, Burgaw, NC
Topsail Elementary: 17385 US-17, Hampstead, NC
Careteret County
Shelter opens at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 4
Newport Middle School: 500 E Chatham Street, Newport, NC
Mecklenburg County
The Charlotte Motor Speedway will open its campgrounds for evacuees from the coast
Officials have opened Rock City Campground on Bruton Smith Boulevard, and bathhouse facilities free of charge. Evacuees are asked to check in at the Camping World Racing Resort office (6600 Bruton Smith Blvd, Concord, NC), which can be accessed at the entrance to zMAX Dragway. After-hours check-ins can be made in the camping section on the speedway's website. Guests can also reach the camping office by phone at 704-455-4445.
A shelter in Clayton for people with specialized needs will also open.
