Beachfront property owners braced for the worst amid predictions of a storm surge of up to 4 feet and significant coastal erosion. Powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected to slam beaches, especially in North Carolina, for 48 hours or more as the hurricane crawls northward offshore through at least Thursday.

Hurricane Erin is moving away, but the threat of rip currents and coastal flooding remains. Here's the latest forecast.

Even hours from the coast, hurricanes can bring devastation. Helene was an example of that during the 2024 hurricane season. There are 108 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina as of

North Carolina expects coastal flooding from massive waves, tropical-storm-force winds and tidal and storm surges for much of the state shoreline, especially the Outer Banks, as well as life-threatening rip currents for most of the week, Stein said, adding, "No one should be in the ocean."

Hurricane Erin is nearing the North Carolina coast, and its far-reaching effects are already causing rip currents and bigger waves along East Coast beaches.

Dramatic aerial footage shows storm surge flooding homes and a motel in North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Aug. 19 as Hurricane Erin battered the coast. Officials ordered evacuations in Dare County, warning of life-threatening winds and rising waters.

Videos show massive waves lashing abandoned homes on North Carolina's Outer Banks as the storm passes the U.S.

Local officials issued evacuation orders for parts of the Outer Banks, warning that the storm might wash out roads.

A flood advisory was issued by the NWS Blacksburg VA on Wednesday at 2:58 p.m. in effect until 6 p.m. The advisory is for Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties.

North Carolina residents share their thoughts on the possible impact of Hurricane Erin to the Outer Banks where they live. (AP video: Allen Breed)

Meteorologists are closely tracking the projected path and forecast of Hurricane Erin, which is the first hurricane to develop over the Atlantic this year.