As Hurricane Erin approaches the Outer Banks of North Carolina, evacuations have been ordered for residents and tourists on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The storm, which is expected to remain offshore, poses a significant threat of dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding from Florida to New England.

Holly Andrzejewski, who recently purchased the Atlantic Inn on Hatteras Island, had to reschedule her first guests due to the impending storm. She and her husband prepared for the hurricane by securing outdoor furniture and ensuring their daughter and her boyfriend, who are managing the inn, had necessary supplies like generators and flashlights. "It's just one of those things where you know this is always a possibility and it could happen, and you just make the best out of it. Otherwise you wouldn’t live at the beach," Andrzejewski said.

Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. It was located about 665 miles southwest of Bermuda and moving northwest at 7 mph. Despite its distance, the storm's tropical storm winds extend 200 miles from its center, affecting coastal areas.

Authorities have issued tropical storm and surge watches for much of the Outer Banks, where coastal flooding is expected to begin and continue through Thursday. Local leaders warn that storm surges could lead to waves reaching 15 feet, potentially flooding roads and making some routes impassable for days.

The evacuations come during the peak tourist season for the Outer Banks, a region known for its low-lying barrier islands. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused significant damage in Ocracoke, and last year, Hurricane Ernesto created hazardous surf conditions despite staying offshore.

Tommy Hutcherson, owner of the only grocery store on Ocracoke, expressed cautious optimism about the storm's impact. "But you just never know. I felt the same way about Dorian and we really got smacked," he said.

As the storm approaches, dangerous ocean conditions have already been reported. The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department rescued between 60 and 70 swimmers from rip currents on Monday, with no injuries reported. Beaches along the East Coast, including those in New Jersey, have closed to swimming due to rough waters and strong rip currents.

The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk that is expected to last through midweek. Wave heights are anticipated to reach between eight and 15 feet as the storm draws closer. Officials are urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water as conditions are expected to worsen.