NEW YORK - As Hurricane Irene barrels toward the East Coast of the United States, residents of the New York City are urged to be prepared.

The storm is expected to hit North Carolina on the weekend. It is projected to head north, passing through Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey, according to the National Hurricane Center of US.

The hurricane's center is likely to stay off the coast of New York City, but the eastern Long Island could experience the full force of Mother Nature.  

Mayor Bloomberg, in a briefing with media Thursday morning, said people living along the coast would voluntarily evacuate ahead of the storm.

The evacuation zone includes neighborhoods along the coast, including Battery Park City in lower Manhattan, Coney Island in Brooklyn and Far Rockaway in Queens.

"Unfortunately, there is an element of unpredictability when it comes to the weather, and so we hope for the best but we prepare for the worst," Bloomberg said.

The city's Office of Emergency Management has activated the emergency operations center as a precaution, and is warning of flooding in low lying areas.

Officials also recommended a supply kit with basic essentials be prepared.