Several weekend events put on hold as Michael barrels through

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several events are planned in the Charlotte area for this weekend as Hurricane Michael speeds up the Southeast Coast.

Organizers are making final preparations ahead of the storm.

Among the events scheduled is a drag race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with the Charlotte Fair.

Watch the video above as Joe Bruno talks to event workers bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Michael.

Workers spent Wednesday putting rides together and locking them down since the storm might be too severe for any work to be done.

“We are getting the rides up,” worker Dale Logan said. “We are trying to prepare everything to make sure it is safe and equipped.”

More Hurricane Content:

• Here are airlines that are waiving fees for flights impacted by Hurricane Michael
• Photos: Florida Panhandle battens down for Hurricane Michael
• Hurricane Michael: What damage can a Category 4 hurricane do?
• A warmer world makes hurricanes wetter and more intense
• How to know whether your tree will fall during Hurricane Michael
• Ahead of Michael, roof repair companies still backed up after Florence
• Snakes alive! As waters rise, beware of reptiles
• 5 hacks to keep your smartphone charged during a power outage
• VIDEO: What to do the minute your flight is canceled
• EXPLAINER: Why North Carolina is vulnerable to hurricanes
• Only 3 Category 4 hurricanes have made landfall in the Carolinas
• East Coast hurricane scenario showed potential for disaster
• 'Gray Man' ghost appears before major hurricanes, SC legend says
• Will a hurricane be named after you this season? 2018 storm names are here
• What is the Saffir-Simpson scale; how does it work; is there a Category 6?
• How dangerous is a hurricane? Understanding hurricane categories
• Hurricane, tropical storm and tropical depression: What's the difference?
• What is a storm surge and why is it dangerous?
• 9 weather terms you should know when preparing for a hurricane
• Everything you need to know to prepare for hurricane season
• How to use the internet during the storm when your internet is down
• Taking photos of your home before a storm can speed up insurance process

Logan said the goal is to get everything done before the bulk of the storm's impacts.

He said some rides aren't being raised to full mast due to the projected wind speeds, but everything should be able to hold in place.

“We inspect before we operate the rides so they are legit,” Logan said.

Performer Chris Stapleton postponed his show at PNC Music Pavilion to Sunday.

Broadway's hit musical “Hamilton” will continue as scheduled for its 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances.

Scott Cooper with the Charlotte Motor Speedway says people from 45 states and eight countries will be at the drag strip this weekend for Carolina Nationals.

“We are really watching the weather closely this week,” Cooper said.

Crews put rubber and a chemical called PJ1 on the track to provide better traction for the tires on the cars.

“We are taking the steps we need now to ensure we put on the best show we can for fans,” Cooper said.

The Speedway's operations crew checked the campgrounds next to the Charlotte Fair to make sure the storm drains are clear and prepared for a couple inches of rain.

Meteorologists forecast nearly 5 inches of rain and heavy wind gusts.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• LIVE UPDATES: 'Dangerous' Michael, now a Cat 4 storm, nears Florida Panhandle
• LIVE Local Radar Weather Map
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Wednesday forecast outlook
• Police identify man shot to death in front of business on North Tryon Street
• Massive 2-alarm fire guts southwest Charlotte business

Cox Media Group