Hurricane Erin is not making landfall in the U.S.
Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 1 storm after lashing North Carolina's Outer Banks with rough waves and coastal flooding, and bringing a threat of dangerous waves and potentially deadly rip currents to the East Coast.
A rip current, which flows out toward the ocean, can quickly pull a swimmer away from the shore. Rip currents usually reach a speed of 1 to 2 feet per second, but some can clock in at 8 feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Click here to learn how to spot a rip current and how to stay safe if you’re trapped in one.
"Dangerous" Hurricane Erin is forecast to bring coastal flooding, massive waves, tropical storm-force winds, storm surge and life-threatening rip currents to North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein warned on Wednesday.
Stein has issued a statewide state of emergency.
"Do not drive through floodwaters," Stein stressed, adding that "no one should be in the ocean."
Swimming is banned at New York City beaches on Wednesday and Thursday due to the strong riptides.
"Even if you are an experienced swimmer, it is important -- the beaches are closed," Mayor Eric Adams warned.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is also urging all beachgoers in the state to avoid going in the ocean this week.
Adams and Murphy both added that some flooding is possible.
Life-threatening rip currents, large and destructive waves, coastal flooding and beach erosion will all be possible for East Coast beaches through the rest of the week.
On Wednesday, the high risk for rip currents stretches from Miami to Long Island, New York.
High surf advisories are in effect from Florida to Massachusetts, with Wednesday marking the peak for dangerous and destructive waves. Waves could reach 10 to 20 feet in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, 11 feet in the Southeast, and 15 feet in the Northeast.
