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.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Severe Weather Team 2 App]
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.