Hurricane Erin prompts evacuations on the East Coast

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - Hurricane Erin is off the southeastern coast Tuesday and could swipe past the outer banks of North Carolina.

Some people there face mandatory evacuations and a tropical storm watch.

Forecasters predict the Category 3 hurricane will stay offshore Tuesday, but by Wednesday, towering waves and local flooding could impact North Carolina.

Evacuations are underway in parts of the outer banks.

A high risk of rip currents will continue up the Atlantic Seaboard through Thursday.

Parts of Maryland could see waves as high as 11 feet.

Officials in New Jersey say water conditions there are dangerous already.