rip current. >> here in north carolina the most likely potential landfall, officials are begging the public to take the threat seriously. >> we want to make sure people don't try out the great waves right before the storm comes. each though they are good waves we don't want you to go into the ocean. >> so far they are not asking people to shy away. >> go ahead and enjoy yourselves, make use of today and tomorrow, but pay attention to what may come. >> hanging in the balance, not just weekend vacation, fourth of july parades and fireworks, but also more serious concerns. everyone here remembers irene in 2011. the pounding waves and the flooding and the houses ruined. the ocean breached right through the island in several places washing out the only roads and cutting off several thousand people from the mainland. could a storm that serious happen again? >> we've got to be ready for anything. >> reporter: 250,000 people expected here in the north carolina beaches over this