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

Two homes on North Carolina's Outer Banks sit precariously in high waves generated by Hurricane Erin with their days seemingly numbered.

"Outer bands of large Hurricane Erin nearing the North Carolina Outer Banks,'' the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. ET update, pointing out swimming at most East Coast beaches is strongly discouraged "due to life-threatening surf and rip currents." Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Forecasts nudge Erin's likely path to the west, increasing the risks at U.S. beaches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in North Carolina's Outer Banks starting late Wednesday.

While Erin is unlikely to make landfall along the East Coast before turning farther out to sea, authorities expect its large swells will cut off roads to villages and vacation homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks and whip up life-threatening rip currents from Florida to New England.