Carolina Beach residents prepare for evacuation ahead of Matthew

Mary Jane Lane, who has owned a motel for 40 years, said the forecast reminds her too much of Hurricane Hazel. She is now packing up the first floor of her motel and plans to head west.

Victoria Satterwhite owns an auto shop and is also concerned.

"The whole island is concerned," she said.

Satterwhite and Lane are not alone. Tobias Arnesen, a tourist from Norway, said the forecast makes him curious.

"I think I'm going to leave because that's a sign it's kind of bad," Arnesen said.

Lane said the thought of what might happen is like having a migraine.

"They're comparing it to Hazel, and if you remember Hazel, then you will pack up," Lane said.

Carolina Beach resident Greg Reynolds said he looks forward to a quiet weekend.

"I'll probably head inland about 200 miles, buy me a couple cases of beer and watch some college football," he said.

Lane said some of her guests are refusing to leave, but she and others expect there will be a mandatory evacuation.

When under a mandatory evacuation, and someone chooses to stay, they are on their own. Emergency services are not available.