Now a category 5 storm, Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas Sunday and is predicted to travel north, possibly affecting North Carolina.

The National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Dorian may affect the eastern part of North Carolina early Wednesday through Friday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, there is a rising likelihood of storm surge off the coast of the state as well as Georgia and South Carolina later this week. Heavy rains capable of producing flash floods are also expected in the area.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news briefing Sunday afternoon that the state is preparing for the hurricane and has been coordinating with other states, local government and FEMA to have the necessary resources on hand in case they are needed. Cooper also said that while the storm is hitting North Carolina later, residents can anticipate heavy rains, winds and flooding.

“North Carolina has to take this seriously,” Cooper said. “Be ready. I’ve declared a state of emergency for all of North Carolina. The storm might look far away, but it’s already kicking up dangerous surf and riptides at our coast.”

Cooper also said residents should prepare and listen for severe weather updates.

The exact trajectory and impact of Hurricane Dorian is hard to predict, with models showing the storm making landfall in various locations or possibly not at all, according to The New York Times. It is also still uncertain if the storm will remain a category 5 or become weaker if it does make landfall.