RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – Governor Roy Cooper held a press conference this morning to update residents on the ongoing threat of tropical storm Debby.

Cooper said that while a slow and gradual approach is expected, there is still the potential for multiple days of heavy rainfall and severe flash flooding.

“We hope for the best, but we’re prepared for the worst,” said Cooper during his opening statement.

Cooper went on to say that he’s activated more than 350 soldiers and airmen from the National Guard and deployed swift water rescue teams to keep watch over the situation.

He continued by saying that North Carolinians should take this storm very seriously and make sure to keep their families and pets are safe, while also securing their homes and belongings.

On Tuesday, Cooper declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

To read WITN’s latest forecast of the storm, click here.