Just my 2 cents, but if you are able, I'd get out and head inland. Even if this comes ashore in NC/SC - Norfolk is looking at taking a hit. It's enough of a target that the US Navy is taking it's ships out to prevent damage. The pillow case and cooler route is a good one. I'm hunkering down in central Va and have been preping for 3-5 days or more of no power as well. But it's better to be in a hotel and have to wash your snakes pillow case by hand than get stuck / injured in a flood.
Just try and stay safe