Additional strengthening is expected as the storm is forecast to “remain a large and dangerous major hurricane through the middle of this week,” the National Hurricane Center said.

Island communities off the coast of North Carolina are bracing for flooding ahead of Hurricane Erin, the year’s first Atlantic hurricane.

"The core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the southeastern and central Bahamas today and tonight," the National Hurricane Center said.

Dare County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation of Zone A of Hatteras Island due to the potential for life-threatening impacts from Hurricane Erin, with coastal flooding and ocean overwash expected to begin on August 19th and continue through August 21st.

The hurricane’s behavior in recent days makes it one of the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record.

Surfers prayed to the wave gods ahead of the competition and Hurricane Erin listened, as she is primed to send big waves to our coastline.