Hurricane Erin threatened North Carolina's coast Wednesday with huge waves and flooding, as the strengthening Category 2 storm triggered mandatory evacuation orders despite its offshore path.

At 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday, the NWS Wakefield VA issued a flood advisory in effect until 8:45 p.m. The advisory is for Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.

"Extreme beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property," weather forecasters said about a Hurricane Erin impact on the OBX and other North Carolina coastal areas.

A flood warning is in place from the North Carolina state line to Conway due to elevated water levels in the Waccamaw River. Horry County Emergency Management officials said Saturday the Waccamaw appears to have crested in the Longs area and continues to fall,