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NC, SC governors declare state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Florence

Tropical Storm Florence could regain strength as a major hurricane by Sunday.

ATLANTA — The governors of South and North Carolina have declared a state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Florence, which is supposed to regain strength as it moves closer to the U.S. east coast.

Strong wind shear has downgraded Florence to a Tropical Storm. But according to Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan, Florence is expected to regain strength this weekend.

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The newest models show it trending more toward the east coast next week.

Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns says the storm is projected to strengthen to a category 4 by mid next week.

WATCH Channel 2 Action News for the latest track on the storm from Severe Weather Team 2.

Severe Weather Team 2 is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which was upgraded Friday night, and another disturbance off the African Coast.

That disturbance that could very well become a depression or named Tropical Storm Issac in the next 24 to 48 hours.

[INTERACTIVE: Storm Tracker 2 HD Radar]

"Since we are near the peak of hurricane season -- Sept. 10 -- this is a good time for everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area to ensure they have their hurricane plan in place," Walls said.

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