Meteorologists are closely tracking the projected path and forecast of Hurricane Erin, which is the first hurricane to develop over the Atlantic this year.

As of Tuesday morning, a storm surge watch is in effect for oceanside areas along the Outer Banks, along with a tropical storm watch for most of coastal North Carolina, The News & Observer previously reported, with evacuations underway for multiple counties.

Forecasts indicated that Erin would have its greatest impact along the North Carolina coast on Thursday, Aug. 21.