Hurricane Erin is causing significant disruptions along the East Coast, with higher tides and powerful waves prompting expanded tropical storm and coastal flooding advisories. The storm is expected to bring a storm surge of up to 4 feet and waves reaching 15 to 20 feet, particularly affecting North Carolina's coastline for at least 48 hours as it moves northward.

As of Wednesday evening, the National Hurricane Center reported that Erin has sustained winds of 110 mph, placing it at the upper end of a Category 2 storm. Winds are anticipated to increase to 120 mph, potentially elevating it to a Category 3 storm. The hurricane is currently traveling north at 14 mph, with its center located approximately 245 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of North Carolina and Virginia, as the storm's effects are expected to intensify. Although Erin is projected to remain hundreds of miles offshore, its impact is likely to worsen as it approaches the U.S. mainland, expected early Thursday.

The National Weather Service has warned that tropical storm-force winds will reach the North Carolina coast, particularly the Outer Banks, by Wednesday night. Coastal flooding and storm surge effects are already being felt, with high tides expected to rise significantly.

In response to the flooding, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has closed a section of Highway 12, a vital route in the Outer Banks. Flood warnings are also in place for the Atlantic coast of northeast North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, as well as areas along the Chesapeake Bay.

New York City officials have issued warnings of potential coastal flooding from Hurricane Erin, which could affect homes and businesses from August 21 to August 22. Flooding of up to 2.5 feet is anticipated in parts of southern Queens during high tide on Thursday evening. Other boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, are expected to see flooding of 1 to 2 feet.

NASA has launched a citizen science initiative called NASA Response Mappers, inviting the public to submit before-and-after photos of Hurricane Erin. This project aims to enhance emergency disaster response by providing real-time information about storm damage.

As Hurricane Erin continues to move north, forecasters are monitoring two additional areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic. While these systems do not currently pose a threat to land, they have a medium chance of developing into tropical depressions later this week.

Along the Outer Banks, state officials have declared a state of emergency as tides and waves began to rise even before Erin made landfall. Highway 12 is expected to be impassable for several days due to ocean overwash. Evacuations are underway for visitors and residents in areas deemed unsafe, with mandatory orders in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.

The National Hurricane Center has issued various warnings along the East Coast, including tropical storm warnings from Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia. A storm surge warning is also in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina.

In New York, officials are preparing for widespread dune erosion and beach flooding, with waves expected to reach up to 15 feet. New Jersey and Delaware are also bracing for tropical storm-force gusts and significant wave activity. Maryland is anticipating higher tides that could lead to coastal flooding, particularly in Annapolis.