(RALEIGH) -- State leaders are urging coastal residents to evacuate as emergency response teams make final preparations for Hurricane Irene.  Gov. Bev Perdue said Friday morning that North Carolina is prepared for the worst, but that does not mean people should stick around for when Irene makes landfall on Saturday.

“I’m really concerned about the folks who decide they're going to ride it out for the joy of the thrill, which is just befuddling to me,” said Perdue.

For people on the Outer Banks who have yet to leave, that window is closing.  Perdue said state ferries are expected to suspend operations later on Friday.  National Guard units and Swift water rescue teams have also been activated to assist with emergency response efforts.