Wilmington -- Counties along North Carolina's coast are already making preparations for the potential landfall of Tropical Storm Arthur. Warren Lee, Director of New Hanover County Emergency Management and 911 Communications, says they are in the planning stage.

Lee said, "Right now, we're pretty much in a watch and wait mode. Anticipating that the storm is going to stay on the forecast track that it's on right now. We're expecting minimal impact to our coast. It's expected that we may see some tropical storm gusts late Thursday evening into the night, right along the beaches."

Lee added they have an emergency plan in place and have been preparing for the possibility of severe weather for several weeks.

Rip currents are anticipated to bring the most danger, if the storm continues on its projected path.