The Bahamas are under the influence of Erin's outer rain bands, prompting the country's Disaster Risk Management Authority to advise residents to prepare for possible shelter needs. Aarone Sargent, managing director of the authority, emphasized the unpredictability of hurricanes, advising Bahamians to familiarize themselves with nearby shelters. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicates that Erin will pass off the southeastern Bahamas and curve to the north between Bermuda and the US East Coast mid-week. Despite not making landfall, Erin remains classified as a large and dangerous hurricane, with the Outer Banks in North Carolina preparing for potentially severe conditions. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island, amid concerns that key routes may soon become impassable. Forecasters are also alerting the entire East Coast about the risk of hazardous rip tides linked to the storm's approach.