Wrightsville Beach residents prep for #MatthewILM

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — As Hurricane Matthew draws closer to the North Carolina coast, folks are amking sure they are ready to handle what the storm is bringing.

Although there were not many people out preparing tonight in Wrightsville Beach, those who were said getting ready early is the key to any storm preparation.

Heather King has lived out in Wrightsville Beach for about four and a half years. Tonight her family was putting up hurricane shutters on their home. She said her family is concerned about their house so today was all about making sure everything is protected. King said this is the first time they’ve ever had to prepare like this, but she thinks they’re ready.

“Just making sure our generator, lots of gas, water stocked at the house making sure we have supplies. And hopefully we don’t have to evacuate,” said King.

Meanwhile over on the water, people were making sure their boats are safe and sound. People were out tonight securing vessels and moving them to safer locations for the hurricane.

“I think not waiting until the last minute is key, doing things in advance. If you’re going to leave your boat in the beach, make sure you’re tying it in a safe and secure place. And if you have the ability to get it off the beach and put it inland, that’s preferable,” said Pierce Barden.

Forecasts show that there could be significant impacts here in the Cape Fear. Things like heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds could start as early as Friday.