Hurricane-force winds were expected to reach South Carolina by early Friday, well ahead of the storm's eye reaching the coast, the National Weather Service said in a hurricane warning covering the state's entire coastline. Hurricane conditions were also possible by late Thursday in parts of Georgia and northeastern Florida.

The Weather Service also issued a storm surge warning for portions of four states. Life-threatening conditions were possible along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, as well as in northeast Florida and along the Neuse River in North Carolina. In some portions of South Carolina, forecasters said, the storm surge could reach seven feet.

The governors of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency and urged residents to monitor forecasts and make contingency plans, such as having emergency kits ready.