According to a 5 a.m. ET advisory from the National Hurricane Center on Aug. 20, Erin is located about 455 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph with higher gusts.

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

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.

Forecasters predicted the storm would peak Thursday and said it could regain strength but was expected to turn out to sea.

Erin is currently making its closest approach to our coast, which is about 200 miles ESE of Cape Hatteras. Impacts will peak today with the worst conditions expected along the OBX during today's high tide cycles. #HurricaneErin #ncwx Latest briefing: https://t.co/CAZ6pY0eg1 pic.twitter.com/xTHVV8G4y6

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.

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