Beachfront property owners braced for the worst amid predictions of a storm surge of up to 4 feet and significant coastal erosion. Powerful waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected to slam beaches, especially in North Carolina, for 48 hours or more as the hurricane crawls northward offshore through at least Thursday.

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

Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day. The massive size of Hurricane Erin and days of powerful winds over the open ocean have caused water levels along the East Coast to rise.

Here's a quick, easy-to-read look on the latest about Hurricane Erin, including what Florida residents should know.