Hurricane Erin Churns Up Dangerous Waves and Closes Beaches Along Us East Coast

Waves hit a structure as Category 5 Hurricane Erin approaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 16, 2025. Hurricane Erin on Saturday strengthened to a “catastrophic” Category 5 storm as it barrelled towards the Caribbean, with weather officials warning of possible flash floods and landslides. (Photo by Ricardo ARDUENGO / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images)

RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) — Hurricane Erin is churning slowly toward the eastern U.S. coast and stirring up waves that already have forced dozens of beach rescues. The biggest storm surges are expected over the coming two days. Forecasters remain confident the center of the monster storm will remain far offshore. But the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents. The hurricane lashed the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast. Authorities are prohibiting people from swimming in beaches in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.