Hurricane Erin may bring coastal danger from Florida to New England

Hurricane Erin strengthened into a monstrous category 5 storm in the Atlantic Ocean on Aug. 16, and is expected to bring widespread danger along the East Coast, even if it isn't forecast to make landfall.

Rough ocean conditions are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center. The rip currents were causing moderate risk Saturday in northeastern Florida, but could increase along the East Coast of the United States early next week, said the National Weather Service office in Jacksonville, Florida.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski told USA TODAY dangerous surf conditions could reach as far as New England beaches, even as the hurricane is expected to avoid making landfall.

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