WINDSOR – Bertie County officials have declared a State of Emergency.

Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb said the county followed the lead of North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue in declaring a State of Emergency Thursday afternoon.

The Governor declared the state in all areas of North Carolina east of Interstate 95 in anticipation of Hurricane Irene striking the coast on Saturday.

“Since the Governor had already made her declaration, we felt it was appropriate to follow suit,” Lamb said.

While the county did not declare a curfew or nix the sale of alcoholic beverages at this time that could change depending on how significant the damage is once the hurricane passes through the county.

Three emergency shelters will open in the county at 6 p.m. Friday. The shelters are at Southwestern Middle School (819 Governor Road, Windsor), West Bertie Elementary School (3734 Governors Rd, Kelford) and Colerain Elementary School (202 North Academy Street, Colerain).