ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Erin remains a powerful and growing threat over the western Atlantic, packing sustained winds of 110 mph, with potential for further strengthening through the day.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Erin was located about 365 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving north-northwest.
While the storm remains offshore, its impacts are already being felt along the coast, with conditions worsening later in the day.
Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect for parts of eastern North Carolina to the North Carolina/Virginia border.
Erin Felt in Florida
Even though Erin has stayed more than 400 miles off Florida, its large wind field and long-period swells have brought life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf to Central Florida beaches over the past two days. These hazards are expected to persist into late week as swells continue to move outward from the storm’s center.
What’s Next for Erin?
Forecast models show Erin beginning to curve northward later Wednesday and then sharply turning northeastward into the open Atlantic on Thursday and Friday as it gets swept up by the jet stream.
The National Hurricane Center mentioned in its Wednesday morning update that Erin could intensify slightly through Thursday as it moves over warmer ocean waters.
By Friday and into the weekend, Erin will likely become post-tropical.
Widespread Coastal Hazards
Erin’s impacts stretch far beyond the core of the storm.
Dangerous, life-threatening rip currents and powerful waves will affect the entire East Coast over the next few days.
Beachgoers from Florida to New England are strongly advised to stay out of the surf.