(GDN) — North Carolina is preparing for its second winter storm in the past week.

During a media briefing on Thursday, Gov. Roy Cooper urged citizens to prepare now.

Cooper says this is the time to get your groceries, essential items, and prepare for power outages.

The governor has issued a State of Emergency to help mobilize resources, and National Guard soldiers have been activated and are staging in areas across the state.

Cooper reminds North Carolinians to keep their phones and devices charged, and ensure their homes are heated adequately.

It appears the brunt of the storm will hit Eastern North Carolina.

Travel in the morning hours of Friday and Saturday is expected to be particularly dangerous due to the potential for black ice.

Any power outages should be reported to your power company, and keep 9-1-1 clear for emergencies.