It is always a pleasure to see people who take these storms very seriously, prepare well in advance of them and take personal responsibility to keep themselves and their families safe.
However, there are many more persons who wait until the very last minute to do
any preparation because they always try to second guess the official agency predictions. Then when an 18 foot storm surge, 35 foot waves and 160 MPH winds start knocking on their door, it is too late. Several areas in Louisiana during Katrina in 2005 are a good example of storm complacency.
This storm, 'Gabrielle' will not be that severe, but power outages, lowlands flooding and strong gusty winds will be felt starting later today in some areas and continuing into the middle of this coming week.
Avlight - I am proud to hear your plans - Also, stay tuned to your local NOAA Alert Radio System for any watches and warnings:
http://www.weather.gov/nwr/stations.php?State=NC
and for all USA States:
http://www.weather.gov/nwr/nwrbro.htm