Just hours away, NC residents are prepping for the arrival of Elsa

Many residents are finishing up preparations as Tropical Storm Elsa will arrive into North Carolina in just a matter of hours. Parts of the WRAL viewing area could see very heavy rain tomorrow and even possible tornadoes Thursday.

WRAL reporters visited Rocky Mount and the NC coast Wednesday night to see how residents were preparing for Elsa.

Rocky Mount

Folks in Rocky Mount, an area prone to flooding because of its proximity to the Tar River, are among those making storm preparations.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson says the city is tracking Elsa and that as of Wednesday night, the city is expecting rain and winds over the next 24 hours.

He says he’s not expecting too much damage in Rocky Mount, but believes this is a good chance for business and residents to prepare.

Fernando Alfara with El Jimador restaurant says the danger is always high because of their location.

“Right here we’re in a flood area, it’s like a swamp right here,” he described.

The biggest challenge for El Jimador is making sure vendors can safely deliver food supply.

"They have to go through roads like Tarboro where they can’t get through, so, we just have to prepare by having our food before the storm broken up on previous orders,” he explained.

Roberson says the season has been dry and the reservoir and river levels are down. But, there is still another major potential threat.

“Always have to be careful when it even comes to tropical storms [or] depressions. Winds can be as high as 50 miles per hour,” Roberson said.

During the storms, Alfaro says many people pull over at nearby hotels -- many of them relying on his restaurant for shelter and food.

"We bulk up on a lot of to-go orders, we have the drive-through, not many restaurants have it," he said. "We have huge number of people come through the drive-through, bigger orders on Door Dash, people in the hotels that are pulling over.”

Rocky Mount is expecting significant rainfall, which can cause some temporary flash flooding - Alfaro says his team is ready.

“We’re always here through any winter storm, rain storm, anything, we’re here to service our customers and that’s when they need it the most,” he said.

Roberson wants to encourage residents and businesses to take this time to start prepping for hurricane season.

He adds that if there is flash flooding over the next few days, he’s encouraging people to stay home and avoid flooded roads.

Wrightsville Beach

The North Carolina coast will also feel the impacts of Elsa with rain starting early Thursday morning.

A Tropical Storm Watch is already in effect Wednesday night as Elsa could bring high winds, heavy rain and rough surf to the coast.

In Wrightsville Beach, a breezy, cloud-covered day brought people to the sand - but those on vacation are keeping an eye on Elsa, which is expected to bring rain and wind gusts up to 45 miles an hour.

Sadie Graham, visiting from Virginia, says she can tell the weather is getting more grim.

“Today and yesterday it was fine," she said. "I can tell the difference, it’s getting worse.”

The surf could get even rougher — increasing the risk for rip currents. There have been more than 60 ocean rescues at Wrightsville just this week.

First responders say they’re also concerned about the potential for isolated tornadoes. Local residents like Dana Hynson say they plan to hunker down at home.

“No, I’m not really worried," Hynson said about the incoming storm.

Hotels along the coast are strapping down outdoor furniture so it doesn’t blow away. Officials are urging residents to do the same.

Meanwhile, visitors are planning to be indoors Thursday until the storm passes.

Christine Morello, visiting from New Jersey, says they'll find a new activity for Tuesday.

“We are just going to hang out maybe inside, get something to eat, check out the neighborhood," she said. "That’s about it. No beach. We’ve been on the beach a few days.”

There could also be power outages, so it’s important to make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries on the ready.

The WRAL weather team expects rain to start along the coast around 7 a.m. Thursday morning with the heavier rain moving in between and 9 and 10 a.m.