Murfreesboro Electric Department crews rolled out this morning on their way to Wilson, North Carolina, to get a jump on Hurricane Florence recovery efforts.

The crews, which included five men and three trucks, will assist the city of Wilson's electric provider, Wilson Energy, said Murfreesboro Electric Department General Manager P.D. Mynatt on Thursday. Wilson is about 40 miles east of Raleigh and about 60 miles from the coast. The city's population is around 50,000.

Florence is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday. Currently, it is classified as a Category 2 hurricane. It is expected to hover over the Carolinas, unleashing fierce winds, heavy rainfall and possible tornadoes throughout the state.

Murfreesboro Electric crews are expected to stay as long as they are needed, Mynatt said.

"Murfreesboro Electric Department takes its mission of providing safe, reliable electricity seriously, especially when the weather gets rough," he said. "We are honored to be able to help out the people of Wilson, North Carolina, and we know that the favor will be returned by their electric provider when our customers are in need as well."