CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Duke Energy is asking its customers to be prepared for the impacts of Hurricane Helene when it reaches the Carolinas.   The storm is expected to reach the area late Thursday into Friday, bringing flooding rains and tropical storm-force winds to the western half of the Carolinas. Due to this, governors from both North Carolina and South Carolina have declared a State of Emergency. Catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene possible in western North Carolina It's forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane on the Florida Gulf Coast Thursday night.  Duke officials say more than 10,000 line workers, tree trimmers and other storm workers will be ready to assess damage and respond as soon as conditions are safe.    “Helene is a large and fast-moving storm that has the potential to deliver torrential rain and tropical-storm-force gusts to the western half of the Carolinas,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas. “We’re closely monitoring the projected path of the storm and strategically moving people and equipment to ensure we’re ready to respond to power outages.”  Safety and preparedness tips  Duke Energy recommends customers review these preparedness tips:  Create or update an emergency supply kit that includes everything an individual or family would need – especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.  Keep a portable radio or TV or a weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts. However, the transmitter was still down in Rock Hill as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information.    Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to safe, alternative locations in case extended power outages occur or evacuation is required.  Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets, friends’ or family members’ homes or pet-friendly hotels.  Download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app for weather safety. The latest version of the app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, is free, available in both English and Spanish.  After the storm  Everyone should always stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging – and consider all lines energized. Downed lines are hard to see in the rain and standing water. Anyone who encounters large pools of standing water should stop, back up and choose another path. Duke Energy continues to strengthen its power grid in the Carolinas to make it more resistant to outages from severe weather. The company is also creating a more resilient grid that enables power to be restored faster for customers.