The Outer Banks are readying for strong impacts from Hurricane Erin offshore in the Atlantic. A Storm Surge Warning is in place for much of the North Carolina coastline. FOX Weather Meteorologist Stev

As the edges of Hurricane Erin get closer to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, much attention has been placed on Highway 12, a roughly 150-mile-long byway that connects that state’s islands and peninsulas. It is beloved by locals and tourists because of its scenic views of the ocean, sand dunes and old lighthouses.

Hurricane Erin has battered North Carolina’s Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes.

The impact expected in northeastern North Carolina due to Hurricane Erin has prompted some facilities and roads to close or delay their openings on Wednesday.

Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph as its outer bands pounded the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico with gusty winds and heavy rains early Sunday.