Update: This version contains recent closings information.

Local governments and local colleges - as well as several local organizations - have announced early closings Thursday in advance of Hurricane Arthur's arrival offshore.

New Hanover County and City of Wilmington have declared a state of emergency that took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the county. As of that time, the Category 1 hurricane was located about 220 miles south-southwest of Wilmington.

Due to increased sustained winds that are expected Thursday afternoon, all New Hanover County and City of Wilmington government offices and attractions will close at 2 p.m., the release stated.

The New Hanover County Emergency Operations Center remains in a limited activation working with local, state, federal and other community partners to track the storm, county officials said, adding that they do not anticipate opening emergency shelters.

Brunswick Community College announced that it would close Thursday at 1 p.m. Cape Fear Community College announced it is closing all its campus locations at 2 p.m. Thursday. An updated announcement from University of North Carolina Wilmington moved its planned closing from 5 p.m. to 2 p.m.

A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, quoted in the release, said, as of Thursday morning, the New Hanover County area could see 40-45 mph peak sustained winds beginning this afternoon. Although all bridges remain open, travel is strongly discouraged during peak winds. Officials may choose to close the Snows Cut Bridge once sustained winds reach 45 mph, county officials said.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches can also be expected, according to the news release. Property owners should ensure drainage ditches are clear before the storm to help prevent flooding problems.

Given the current forecast, widely scattered power outages are possible across the Cape Fear coastal areas, the release stated. Residents are encouraged to secure any loose items around the house such as lawn furniture, canopies, tents, etc.)