Storms that ramp up so quickly complicate forecasting and make it harder for government agencies to plan for emergencies. Hurricane Erick, a Pacific storm that made landfall June 19 in Oaxaca, Mexico, also strengthened rapidly, doubling in intensity in less than a day.

"Heavy rainfall is possible on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with potential for a maximum of 4 inches," NHC said Tuesday.

Officials have ordered evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands even without a hurricane warning because that tiny ribbon of highway called N.C. 12 will likely be torn up and washed out in several places,

Rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents have forced many beaches to ban swimming and boogie boarding this week.

Some beaches in the Delaware Valley have prohibited swimming as a precaution as Hurricane Erin moves closer to the East Coast.

When packing for a potential evacuation, experts recommend with an insulated cooler for meds. Use a battery-operated cooler with ice packs when possible.

Hurricane Erin is going to be moving north through the Atlantic Ocean. It will have some affect on our next storm system.