North Carolina expects coastal flooding from massive waves, tropical-storm-force winds and tidal and storm surges for much of the state shoreline, especially the Outer Banks, as well as life-threatening rip currents for most of the week, Stein said, adding, "No one should be in the ocean."

A portion of the highway that serves North Carolina's Outer Banks is closed due to impacts from Hurricane Erin, officials said. North Carolina Highway 12 is now closed from Oregon

People in the Outer Banks should shelter in place, authorities said. Meanwhile, life-threatening rip currents are likely at beaches along the East Coast, according to forecasters.

Hurricane Erin battered North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes before slowly moving away.

Local officials issued evacuation orders for parts of the Outer Banks, warning that the storm might wash out roads.

Emergency management officials on Sunday declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of Hatteras Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks beginning Monday due to threats from Hurricane Erin.