Hurricane Erin continues to churn over the Atlantic. Although a direct hit to the U.S. is not likely, its effects will be felt along the East Coast.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks will feel its effects over the next 72 hours. High winds gusting to tropical storm strength -- 39 mph to 73 mph -- will be accompanied by squalls of downpours.

The WindRadar shows onshore flow, which will produce upwards of 4 feet of surge throughout the Outer Banks. Pounding waves will ride atop the surge. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are likely.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the North Carolina coasts and evacuations were ordered Monday in anticipation of Erin’s offshore passage.

The WeatherRadar shows Hurricane Erin curving to the northeast away from the East Coast after it makes its closes approach with Cape Hatteras late Wednesday night. As it moves into the open Atlantic, it will produce rip currents and high surf throughout the Atlantic Seaboard.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is entering its peak time and now is the time for people to prepare for the season ahead.