Hurricane Florence will start to affect Suffolk and its citizens late Thursday, which gives people time to finish making preparations to their homes, supplies and emergency plans.

While the storm is expected to make landfall in the Carolinas, Suffolk is likely to see several inches of rain and significant wind gusts Thursday through Saturday.

“I would remind everyone to continue to be vigilant. We are slightly out of the cone for the storm, but we are close enough to sustain winds from the south,” Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Brian Spicer said. “A small adjustment can make a huge impact on the other end of the cone.”

Spicer reminded citizens to remember Hurricane Matthew as they continue to get themselves ready for Florence.

“With Matthew, a day or so before we were breathing a sigh of relief, but then the torrential rain and inland flooding came,” Spicer said. “Don’t let your guard down.”

Simple things can make a difference when it comes to preparedness, but Spicer stressed keeping debris clear outside the home.

“Items in the yard that are lying around can turn into projectiles if the wind is high, and these things can take out a window. Then it will really start to have a negative impact on the structure,” Spicer said.

• Before the storm hits, the city advises:
• Board up windows and close storm shutters
• Bring loose objects inside (trash cans, patio furniture)
• Anchor objects that are unsafe inside (gas grills and propane tanks)
• Trim damaged trees and limbs close to structures
• Secure loose rain gutters and clear clogged areas
• Document the condition of the home prior to the storm