US meteorologists have upgraded Storm Arthur to a hurricane as it churns off the North Carolina coast on the eve of Independence Day.
The first hurricane of the 2014 Atlantic season was 190 miles (305km) south of Cape Fear as of 09:00 GMT, the US National Hurricane Center said.
It is not expected to make landfall but may whip beaches in the state.
North Carolina's governor has warned holidaymakers not to take risks along the coast on Friday.
With a hurricane warning in place, Governor Pat McCrory said: "Don't put your stupid hat on."
Surfers were still out on the Outer Banks islands off the North Carolina coast on Wednesday...
... but this camping site on the islands had shut down
A motor home heading north from Mirlo Beach, North Carolina, on Wednesday
Other states are bracing for Arthur too. These crew members of the restored whaling ship Charles W Morgan were securing sails and lines in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Wednesday
Arthur was packing maximum sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h), which were expected to grow in strength over the coming day, according to the hurricane centre.
It is expected to reach the Outer Banks islands along the North Carolina coast on Thursday night.
A road linking the islands has been sliced apart twice in recent years by storms.
Visitors to Hatteras Island have been advised to leave and a voluntary evacuation has been announced for Ocracoke Island, which is accessible only by ferry.
"Although the current forecast doesn't indicate this will be a major impact, we are taking it very seriously,'' Governor McCrory said. "I don't want you to put at risk not only yourself but also people who may try to help you."
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