Hurricane Warnings Issued for Carolinas as Arthur Intensifies, Check Out Preparedness Tips

Storm warnings have been issued for North Carolina's Outer Banks as Tropical Storm Arthur is set to become the Atlantic's first hurricane of the year.

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings from Surf City, North Carolina north to Duck, North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras and the Pamlico and Eastern Albemarle Sounds.

Tropical storm warnings are issued from Surf City, North Carolina south to South Santee River, South Carolina, and from Duck, North Carolina north to Cape Charles Light, Virginia.

A hurricane warning means winds higher than 74 mph are expected within 36 hours, and a tropical storm warning means winds between 39 and 73 mph are expected within the same period.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts Arthur will become a hurricane by Thursday night and begin hitting the South Carolina coast with periodic thunderstorms and gusty winds. 

Rough surf and squally weather is expected for areas around the Jersey Shore, Long Island and Cape Cod for the Fourth of July weekend.

With storm season ramping up, now is the time to prepare for tropical weather threats to the Eastern Seaboard.

Take a look at the slideshow above for tips from NOAA, the Red Cross and other emergency preparedness authorities that can help you and your loved ones survive the next tropical threat.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, peaking from August to mid-October.