Hurricane Erin was taking aim at the U.S. East Coast on Wednesday morning, according to forecasters who are warning Americans of life-threatening rip currents along beaches that could persist for days.

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.

Hurricane Erin continues to churn in the Atlantic waters hundreds of miles off the U.S., prompting officials to close beaches along the East Coast from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast.

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

Local authorities in Delaware and Maryland have decided to ban surfing well ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Erin, an unfortunate first for regional surfers.

Don't let beach closures ruin your summer vacation. Here's our guide of entertainment and other fun for rainy weather at the Delaware beaches.

Lifeguards and fire rescue crews in Hollywood Beach are on alert as red warning flags and safety signs go up, urging visitors to avoid the water altogether.