Hurricane Erin remains hundreds of miles off the eastern coast of the U.S. as a Category 2 storm as it moves north, and is expected to significantly weaken by Friday as it pulls away from the coast.

North Carolina's Outer Banks are suffering the brunt of the storm, as tourists and residents alike faced evacuation orders as rough seas pounded homes and businesses.

Governor Josh Stein warned residents to stay away from flooded roadways. "Don't do it," he said. "You do not know how deep the water is or how fast it is running."

A portion of North Carolina's Highway 12, the only road to the islands, is closed due to overwash. Utility crews are standing by, ready to respond to any power outages.

Homes along the shore that are no longer protected by dunes after years of beach erosion are part

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