Hurricane Erin pounded the North Carolina coast with strong waves and gusty winds as it began to move out to sea Thursday. It was still considered dangerous for beachgoers along the U.S. East Coast.

Erin lost some strength Tuesday and dropped to a Category 2 hurricane as it moved northward, roughly parallel to the East Coast. However, its maximum sustained winds remained at 105 mph (169 kph) on Thursday. Erin could become a major hurricane again before finally weakening by Friday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

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