Hurricane Erin brought coastal flooding to parts of North Carolina and Virginia as it made its closest approach to the United States (US) mainland early Thursday. High waves washed over Highway 12 that links the Outer Banks island chain,

North Carolina expects coastal flooding from massive waves, tropical-storm-force winds and tidal and storm surges for much of the state shoreline, especially the Outer Banks, as well as life-threatening rip currents for most of the week, Stein said, adding, "No one should be in the ocean."

A massive Hurricane Erin churns off the East Coast, bringing dangerous waves to vulnerable areas along the North Carolina coast. Here's the latest.