Tampa, Florida – Strong winds and dangerous surf are already building along Florida’s Atlantic coast this Wednesday as Hurricane Erin, now a Category 2 storm, churns just offshore with sustained winds of 100 mph.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin is moving north-northwest at 13 mph and is expected to turn northeast by Thursday, keeping the center of the storm off the U.S. coastline but still close enough to bring tropical storm-force winds, high surf, and rip currents from Florida to the Carolinas. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for coastal areas of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, including Jacksonville and St. Augustine, through early Thursday morning.
Beachgoers are urged to avoid entering the surf due to life-threatening rip currents. Minor coastal flooding and beach erosion are likely, particularly during high tide cycles. Boaters should remain in port, and anyone along the coast should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for intermittent power outages.
While the storm’s center may stay offshore, outer bands could produce brief squalls and gusty winds along I-95 and coastal communities as far north as Charleston by Thursday afternoon. The risk of storm surge remains low but not negligible.
Warnings may shift if Erin tracks closer to shore. Stay tuned for updates from the NHC and local emergency officials.
