Hurricane Erin, now a Category 2 storm, has triggered a state of emergency in North Carolina, where residents and visitors along the Outer Banks are under evacuation orders. The Outer Banks is also under a tropical storm warning; Erin is forecast to hit the islands with heavy rain and rough winds on Wednesday night.

Several homes along the beach in Rodanthe, North Carolina, have collapsed into the Atlantic over the years due to beach erosion. Swells from Hurricane Erin are threatening even more. Chairman of the Dare County Commissioners Bob Woodard,

Hurricane Erin is bringing 100 mph winds and dangerous rip currents to coastal towns, prompting beach closures and tropical storm warnings from North Carolina to Virginia.

High surf and dangerous rip currents are likely. People are advised to stay out of the water this week, even when a lifeguard is on duty.

Rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents have forced many beaches to ban swimming and boogie boarding this week.

Hurricane Erin strengthened 85 mph in 24 hours to a 160 mph Category 5 hurricane putting in fourth place for rapidly intensifying storms.