As Hurricane Erin edged closer to the Outer Banks of North Carolina this week, much attention has been placed on Highway 12, a roughly 150-mile-long byway that connects that state’s islands and peninsulas. It is beloved by locals and tourists because of its scenic views of the ocean, sand dunes and old lighthouses.

As Hurricane Erin continues its pursuit through the Atlantic, dangerous conditions have been reported up and down the East Coast. Strong waves from Hurricane Erin knocked a North Carolina man off his feet on Wednesday as he filmed the impacts of the storm brewing in the Atlantic Ocean.