Hurricane Erin's towering waves batter the coastline of North Carolina

Significant portions of the US East Coast are experiencing large waves as Hurricane Erin moves along the coastline, generating rip currents and flooding.

The category two storm, currently situated over the Atlantic Ocean, is not anticipated to make landfall in the US; however, officials have warned that storm surges and road closures are probable.

North Carolina is projected to be among the most severely affected regions, although no-swimming advisories have been issued at beaches extending as far north as New Jersey and Delaware.

Erin has already swept through the Caribbean, soaking Puerto Rico, and is carrying maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (168 km/h), according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Waves reaching heights of 30 ft (9.14 m) are developing off the east coast on Wednesday, resulting in elevated water levels in some coastal towns.

"Conditions are expected to worsen shortly in the North Carolina Outer Banks," the NHC stated in its 14:00 EDT (18:00 GMT) update.

Swimming at the majority of coastal beaches is strongly advised against "due to life-threatening surf and rip currents".

The Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands off North Carolina, are already preparing for intense surf and strong winds.

During a news conference on Wednesday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein cautioned residents to start preparing for the storm.

"This is a serious storm," he remarked. "No one should be in the ocean."

Stein indicated that the state has three "swift-water rescue teams" and 200 National Guard troops on standby to assist individuals with boats, aircraft, and other vehicles.

Officials have mandated evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke due to concerns that the primary highway connecting them to other islands may become impassable.

Stein urged residents to heed the evacuation orders, advising them to "take action now before it is too late."