Island communities off the coast of North Carolina are bracing for flooding ahead of the year’s first Atlantic hurricane, Hurricane Erin. Although forecasters are confident that the storm won’t make direct landfall in the United States,

Despite changes in intensity, Erin’s size will drive dangerous surf and massive seas along much of the United States East Coast, as well as Atlantic Canada and Bermuda waters.

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.