Erin, still a large Category 2 hurricane, is expected to make a turn to the northeast and pick up speed as it pulls away from the coast later in the day. It should gradually weaken to a post-tropical cyclone by Aug.

Hurricane Erin has battered North Carolina’s Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes.

Major Hurricane Erin may have topped out in terms of intensity, but the storm is still expected to grow in terms of size, which will bring rip currents and high surf conditions to much of the U.S. East Coast this week.

Local officials say they only order evacuations ahead of hurricanes when it’s necessary to protect the public.

Hurricane Erin stays offshore but brings rip currents, high surf and gusty winds to East Coast beaches through Friday. Follow Newsweek's live blog.