North Carolina expects coastal flooding from massive waves, tropical-storm-force winds and tidal and storm surges for much of the state shoreline, especially the Outer Banks, as well as life-threatening rip currents for most of the week, Stein said, adding, "No one should be in the ocean."

On Wednesday at 4:57 a.m. the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued an updated tropical storm warning in effect until 1 p.m. for Northern Outer Banks.