Virginia Beach, VA – Strong swells from Category 4 Hurricane Erin are generating life-threatening rip currents along the entire U.S. East Coast, with conditions expected to worsen through Monday. From Florida to Massachusetts, red flag warnings and beach advisories are in effect as wave energy builds across the Atlantic.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin remains a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph as it tracks northwest off the Bahamas. Although the hurricane is forecast to stay offshore, its massive wind field is already churning dangerous surf toward the mainland. Coastal flooding, strong rip currents, and beach erosion are expected to peak by midweek as Erin turns north and then northeast.
High rip current risks are active across East Coast beaches, including Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, the Jersey Shore, Long Island, and Cape Cod. Lifeguards are urging swimmers to stay out of the ocean, especially as surf builds rapidly with minimal warning. Beachgoers should heed posted flags and avoid jetties, inlets, and piers.
Impacts will be felt far outside the storm’s projected path, and tides may run up to 2 feet above normal in some areas. Erin will remain a major hurricane at least through midweek, with further advisories expected from NOAA and the National Weather Service.
