Hurricane Erin updates: Storm weakens to Category 1, moves away from US coastline

More than 2,000 people have evacuated by ferry from Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, following mandatory evacuation orders due to Hurricane Erin, according to the governor’s office.

Ferry service "will continue as long as the weather holds," the governor’s office said.

On nearby Hatteras Island, the worst impacts from Hurricane Erin are expected to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday during high tide, said Hatteras Island Rescue Squad Chief Jack Scarborough.

"While we are ready, we are also concerned that with the impacts we are expected to see, we may not be able to -- with 2 to 4 feet of storm surge and large breaking waves pushing water inland over the next couple of days -- we may not be able to respond,” he said.

North Carolina is expected to face "dangerous surf, life-threatening storm surge, flooding, beach erosion, and damage to infrastructure and roadways" as Erin moves closer, Gov. Josh Stein warned on social media.

-ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway

A rip current, which flows out toward the ocean, can quickly pull a swimmer away from the shore. Rip currents usually reach a speed of 1 to 2 feet per second, but some can clock in at 8 feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Click here to learn how to spot a rip current and how to stay safe if you’re trapped in one.

"Dangerous" Hurricane Erin is forecast to bring coastal flooding, massive waves, tropical storm-force winds, storm surge and life-threatening rip currents to North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein warned on Wednesday.

Stein has issued a statewide state of emergency.

"Do not drive through floodwaters," Stein stressed, adding that "no one should be in the ocean."

Swimming is banned at New York City beaches on Wednesday and Thursday due to the strong riptides.

"Even if you are an experienced swimmer, it is important -- the beaches are closed," Mayor Eric Adams warned.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is also urging all beachgoers in the state to avoid going in the ocean this week.

Adams and Murphy both added that some flooding is possible.