Much of North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is under a tropical storm watch with Hurricane Erin expected to skirt the area this week, according to the National Hurricane Center. The sprawling Category 4 storm is churning in the Atlantic Monday after exploding in strength at a historic rate this weekend fueling the potential for life-threatening rip currents and towering waves toward the eastern US coastline and Bermuda,

On Monday at 5:10 p.m. the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a tropical cyclone statement in effect until Tuesday at 1:15 a.m. The statement is for East Carteret, Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.

Hatteras Island, in North Carolina's Outer Banks, is the perfect summer vacation destination. Stay in one of the residential-style suites at Edgecamp Pamlico Station. Spend a day learning to kitesurf on the Pamlico Sound; Kitty Hawk Kites offers lessons. Try the famous Apple Ugly from Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe.