Despite changes in intensity, Erin’s size will drive dangerous surf and massive seas along much of the United States East Coast, as well as Atlantic Canada and Bermuda waters.

Island communities off the coast of North Carolina are bracing for flooding ahead of the year’s first Atlantic hurricane, Hurricane Erin. Although forecasters are confident that the storm won’t make direct landfall in the United States,

H urricane Erin is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the Eastern U.S. coast this week, according to the National Hurricane Center. Erin is a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.