A tropical storm warning has been issued for North Carolina as Hurricane Erin churns up the east coast of the U.S. as a Category 2 storm.

Hurricane Erin is less than 400 miles from Hatteras, North Carolina. Rip currents and water rescues have continued as bigger waves are pounding the coast and causing beach erosion. Erin may wash away sea turtle nests.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place along the Outer Banks of North Carolina amid fears a few islands may get cut off from the main highway.