NORTH CAROLINA — Dramatic aerial footage has emerged showing a powerful tidal storm surge engulfing homes along the Outer Banks on Tuesday, as Hurricane Erin churned through the Atlantic.

The drone video shows waves crashing over seawalls and water sweeping across neighborhoods, leaving roads submerged and properties vulnerable to rising tides.

Local officials are urging residents to remain cautious, warning that storm surges pose the greatest risk to life and property during hurricanes, even when winds are not at their peak.

While Hurricane Erin has not made landfall, forecasters say its outer bands are already driving dangerous surf and flooding conditions along the Carolina coast. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the storm continues its path through the Atlantic.