Hurricane Erin is spinning toward the Bahamas and the U.S. as a major hurricane, with sustained winds near 140 mph. It will likely cause “life-threatening surf and rip currents” at beaches along much of the East Coast for the next several days, the National Hurricane Center says — and expectations of dangerous flooding are triggering evacuation orders.

Erin isn’t expected to make landfall in the U.S., but forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Morehead City, N.C., warn that areas such as North Carolina’s Outer Banks should be prepared for waves as high as 15 to 20 feet or more — and to expect days of potential flooding.

Live in a hurricane-prone area? Here’s how to prepare your home for flooding

If you’re worried about flooding this hurricane season, here are some ways

See Full Page