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 is expected to grow as it moves over the Atlantic through the week, causing dangerous rip currents, heavy rain, and strong winds along the East Coast.

Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly into a Category 2 hurricane but is forecast to "substantially grow in size" as it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean through the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.