ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall in North Carolina early Saturday with estimated maximum winds of 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for portions of eastern North Carolina, and storm warnings have been issued in other parts of the state.

The storm system could bring potentially damaging winds to portions of eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, weather forecasters say.

Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for areas of North Carolina and Delaware.

The governors of North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Ophelia's arrival.