Suffolk is not expected to see sustained tropical storm-force winds from Hurricane Florence, but damage and power outages still are possible, according to a city press release.

The city remains under a Coastal Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The emergency operations center opened at 6 p.m. Thursday, the press release stated.

The Department of Emergency Management says wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour are possible from 2 a.m. Friday through sunrise Saturday.

The primary concern is the potential for downed trees and power lines due to ground saturation and anticipated additional rainfall from the hurricane, which would be up to 4 inches, the release states.

Strike force teams including staff with chainsaws have been preliminarily staged to deal with any potential issues, the release states. In addition, an Army National Guard unit has been activated to provide assistance if needed, bringing along three high-water vehicles also equipped with chainsaws and tow straps.

The King’s Fork High School emergency shelter at 351 Kings Fork Road remains open for those who have evacuated from their homes in Zone A as well as mobile homes and trailers, the release stated. The highest attendance since the facility opened Tuesday was 24 citizens.

Folks are reminded to exercise caution around downed power lines. They should not enter any standing water and should call 911 to report the lines.

Suffolk Transit will cease operations Friday, and a decision will be made at a later time about Saturday, the release stated.

The emergency operations center can be reached at 514-4570. The Suffolk Police Department non-emergency number is 923-2350, and the number for non-emergency roadway-related issues is 514-7600.