Florence is now a major Category 4 hurricane that will likely cause a life-threatening storm surge along the Carolina coast according to forecasters.

In a statement from Monday morning, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reports the latest predictions indicate NC is in the bullseye of Hurricane Florence.

In western NC, wind and power outages will be the greatest threats from the storm later this week; should Florence continue on its current track.

Emergency officials urge citizens to remove trees or limbs from our property that could be blown around in strong wind situations.

Be ready with generators and an emergency kit in the event of a power outage- including water, non-perishable food, a cellphone, flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.

The latest forecast shows tropical-force winds could hit western NC as early as Thursday morning; with winds intensifying Friday afternoon and into the evening.

Rain and flooding impacts are possible in the mountains late in the week; with the possibility of lingering effects through Saturday.

Download the Ready NC app for weather updates.

With the impending impact of Florence, NC residents must remember the urgent need for blood and platelet donors.

Officials with the Community Blood Center say it’s vitally important that a steady blood supply is maintained; not only for our community, but also for those hardest hit by the storm.

They report it is the blood on the shelves today that will be used when Florence hits, and that supply will definitely need replenishing.

As long as conditions remain safe, mobile blood drive organizers urge people to make and keep donation appointments to ensure local patients have the blood products they need.

Donors must be at least 16 years old with a signed parental consent form, have a weight of at least 120 pounds, and bring an officially issued photo ID.

A local opportunity to donate this week- 10 am till 1 pm Thursday September 13^th at

WPCC on Burkemont Avenue in Morganton.

No charges have been filed yet in a Marion collision that claimed the life of a motorist several days after the mishap.

Reports with Marion Police say Mary Pittman Mace was involved in the accident on North Main Street on September 5^th.

Mace was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville where she remained in the intensive care unit for several days.

Marion Police officials were notified Monday of her death.

Investigation into the crash continues.