RALEIGH, N.C. -- “Prepare as Hurricane Florence is at our door step” was the message Gov. Roy Cooper delivered in the first of his two planned Wednesday briefings. 

The governor talked about his plans for more resources across the state such as having National Guard soldiers on standby.

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Officials say 2,800 guardsmen will be on standby by the day's end. They also discussed how different parts of the state will be affected as the storm moves in.

"The time to prepare is now. This morning's forecast is only hours away, powerful winds will reach our beaches and sounds tomorrow morning, North Carolina my message is clear disaster is at the doorstep and it's coming in,” said Cooper.

Officials say crews will be undergoing water rescue training to help out once the storm makes landfall.

FEMA officials are also on the ground helping with preparations.

The governor will give another update at 5 p.m. Wednesday.