Even though the storm is moving away from the U.S. East Coast, tropical storm warnings remain in effect for the Outer Banks, where wind gusts greater than 40 mph are likely. Additionally, waves up to 20 feet are possible in the area on Thursday.

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.