While it appears Isaias may strike North Carolina as just a tropical storm as opposed to a hurricane, Gov. Roy Cooper says the storm still needs to be taken seriously.

North Carolina Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry says you can expect widespread power outages as the storm passes.

Sprayberry says if you’re power goes out:

• Don’t use a generator or grill in your home or garage
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lights instead of candles
• Charge your cellphone and other devices now before the power potentially goes off
• Remember that text messages will often go through in instances where phone calls will not

Col. Glenn McNeill, Commander of the State Highway Patrol, says road conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight.

For those that must travel overnight or in the morning, Col. McNeill says watch for debris in the roadway.

Also, never attempt to drive through a water-covered roadway.

Residents are encouraged to avoid calling 911 unless it is for an emergency.