Hurricane Erin is nearing the North Carolina coast, and its far-reaching effects are already causing rip currents and bigger waves along East Coast beaches.

Hurricane Erin is weakening as it moves away from the United States, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City.

Erin is still a very large storm impacting the East Coast with coastal flooding, dangerous surf and breezy conditions. Coastal flood alerts remain in effect from the Carolinas to

Hurricane Erin, now a Category 2 storm, has triggered a state of emergency in North Carolina, where residents and visitors along the Outer Banks are under evacuation orders.