High rip current and coastal flood warnings remain along North Carolina beaches as Hurricane Erin continues out to sea. FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel takes in a gorgeous sunrise from (mostly) dry land in Kitty Hawk.

Much of North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is under a tropical storm watch with Hurricane Erin expected to skirt the area Wednesday through Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Over the past decade, rip currents have caused about 10% of U.S. fatalities from tropical storms and hurricanes.

According to the National Weather Service, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue is reporting very strong rip currents, and up to 70 rip current rescues have taken place on Monday, Aug. 18. Red flags are flying at Wrightsville Beach today, alerting beachgoers not to swim because of dangerous rip currents after 50 rip current rescues.

Hurricane Erin’s core missed the U.S., but the cyclone led to flooded roadways and eroded dunes. Coastal flooding was reported in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.

The New Hanover County sea community of Wrightsville Beach — just east of Wilmington — announced drastic measures to close the town’s beach to swimming ahead of Hurricane Erin.