North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency Thursday in anticipation Hurricane Joaquin, which was said to be an 'extremely dangerous' Category 4 hurricane by the National Hurricane Center Thursday afternoon.
McCrory confirmed the declaration in a tweet a little before noon Thursday.
"We’re ready & prepared 4 #HurricaneJoaquin," he said in the tweet. "I’ve declared a state of emergency in all 100 counties so we can deploy key assets for response."
Elon University is also taking measures in preparation for the storm.
Smith Jackson, vice president for student life and dean of students, sent out an email Thursday warning of the potential threats the hurricane will bring.
"University staff members are preparing for this inclement weather and coordinating their efforts with the Town of Elon and county and state emergency response agencies," he said. "We will update you as conditions develop and the storm's track becomes more clear, but it is important that we all begin to make preparations."
Jackson said that as of right now the university still expects to have classes Friday and Monday.