As of 2 p.m. today (Aug. 31), the National Weather Service is reporting sustained winds of 70 mph associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto as it nears the Carolina coast.

The minimum requirement for sustained wind speed for hurricane classification is 74 mph, meaning that Ernesto could potentially be considered a hurricane when it reaches shore later tonight or in the early morning hours tomorrow.

Storm surge flooding of three to five feet and rainfall of up to 12 inches in isolated areas is expected during this storm.

The National Weather Service is also warning eastern North Carolina residents of a potential for isolated tornadoes in the hours leading up to landfall