Hurricane Erin forecast to churn up dangerous swells and winds on US east coast

Red flags, indicating swimming is prohibited, were erected at a beach in North Carolina (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Hurricane Erin moved slowly towards the eastern US coast on Tuesday, stirring up treacherous waves that already have forced dozens of beach rescues days before the biggest storm surges are expected.

While forecasters remain confident the centre of the storm will remain far offshore, the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents.