Hundreds of thousands of beachgoing tourists were keeping a watchful eye on massive Hurricane Erin on Tuesday, Aug. 19, as large waves and rough surf driven by the powerful storm were expected to pound the Atlantic Coast from Central Florida to Canada.

Evacuations were underway along parts of North Carolina's Outer Banks, a big draw for vacationers every summer. With Erin's expected storm surge and waves of over 10 feet, the National Weather Service was urging people to stay out of the ocean to avoid deadly surf conditions expected through at least Thursday.

Officials in Dare County warned that roads, including the main exit route, could soon be overwhelmed by water.

"Dare County remains under a State of Emergency and a Mandatory Evacuation order is in effect for Hatteras Island," the

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