Department of Public Safety preparing for possible Irma impact in NC as path remains unclear

Irma continued to swirl out in the middle of the ocean on Monday with sustained winds of 140 mph. It was moving west southwest at 13 mph.

"If it moves over Florida, it would move here early next week in a much weakened state," Maze said.

"It's still too early to tell and get into great detail past Saturday and Sunday," Maze said of predicting the storm's impact on the U.S. "It may lift north after Saturday and Sunday and perhaps head across Florida and maybe impact North Carolina."

Maze said the storm could likely become a Category 5 storm in the coming days, but could weaken as it makes it way towards the United States.

"If there's any interaction between Hispaniola and Cuba, the storm could weaken," he said.

While Irma continues to track west, though, it's still unclear when or if it would turn off its current path. If Irma impacts North Carolina, Maze said the effects could be felt as early as next Monday night.

"The forecast path of Irma could change. It's not set in stone," he said.

With uncertainty lingering, Department of Public Safety officials in North Carolina were preparing Monday night for the possibility that the storm could impact the state.

A spokesperson with the Department of Public Safety said they are holding conference calls about possible fuel disruption and disaster resources.

The department is in close contact with FEMA and employees are working on plans with emergency management officials in South Carolina and Virginia.