CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several events are planned in the Charlotte area for this weekend as Hurricane Michael speeds up the Southeast Coast.
Organizers are making final preparations ahead of the storm.
Among the events scheduled is a drag race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with the Charlotte Fair.
Watch the video above as Joe Bruno talks to event workers bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Michael.
[ [MINUTE-BY-MINUTE: Hurricane Michael makes landfall in Florida with 155 mph winds] ]
[ [School districts begin to announce closures ahead of Hurricane Michael] ]
Workers spent Wednesday putting rides together and locking them down since the storm might be too severe for any work to be done.
“We are getting the rides up,” worker Dale Logan said. “We are trying to prepare everything to make sure it is safe and equipped.”
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Logan said the goal is to get everything done before the bulk of the storm's impacts.
He said some rides aren't being raised to full mast due to the projected wind speeds, but everything should be able to hold in place.
“We inspect before we operate the rides so they are legit,” Logan said.
Performer Chris Stapleton postponed his show at PNC Music Pavilion to Sunday.
Broadway's hit musical “Hamilton” will continue as scheduled for its 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances.
Scott Cooper with the Charlotte Motor Speedway says people from 45 states and eight countries will be at the drag strip this weekend for Carolina Nationals.
“We are really watching the weather closely this week,” Cooper said.
Crews put rubber and a chemical called PJ1 on the track to provide better traction for the tires on the cars.
“We are taking the steps we need now to ensure we put on the best show we can for fans,” Cooper said.
The Speedway's operations crew checked the campgrounds next to the Charlotte Fair to make sure the storm drains are clear and prepared for a couple inches of rain.
Meteorologists forecast nearly 5 inches of rain and heavy wind gusts.
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