Hurricane Erin, now a Category 2 hurricane, won't make landfall on the U.S. East Coast, but it will impact residents and visitors at North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Beachfront property owners braced for the worst amid predictions of a storm surge of up to 4 feet and significant coastal erosion. Powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected to slam beaches, especially in North Carolina, for 48 hours or more as the hurricane crawls northward offshore through at least Thursday.

Locals on the Outer Banks are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Erin's path as it edges past the North Carolina coast. (AP video by Allen G. Breed)

Hurricane Erin has triggered a state of emergency in North Carolina, where residents and visitors along the Outer Banks are under evacuation orders.

The impact expected in northeastern North Carolina due to Hurricane Erin has prompted some facilities and roads to close or delay their openings on Wednesday.

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

Hurricane Erin is expected to impact the Outer Banks in North Carolina, sending massive waves crashing into the islands.

Hurricane Erin strengthened on Wednesday as it headed north in the Atlantic. Here's the latest update, path, warnings and more for the Jersey Shore.

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