Life-threatening storm surges and rip currents are forecast for much of the U.S. East Coast as Hurricane Erin takes a path just offshore. Here’s the latest tracking map.

Even though Erin will be well off shore, the shear large size of the storm will likely send tropical storm force winds (39 miles per hour or higher) into the Outer Banks and gusting tropical winds may also be felt on nearby mid-Atlantic beaches Wednesday into Friday.

Nantucket is the closest spot in New England to Erin’s anticipated path and was likely to see the strongest winds, gusting about 25 to 35 mph (40 to 55 kph) at peak with waves potentially reaching a height of 10-13 feet (3-4 meters).

Hurricane Erin is bringing 100 mph winds and dangerous rip currents to coastal towns, prompting beach closures and tropical storm warnings from North Carolina to Virginia.

After rapidly intensifying into a Category 5 storm on Saturday, Hurricane Erin has since been downgraded to a Category 4 system with sustained winds of 130 mph. However, it is expected to intensify and grow in size over the next few days.

Hurricane Erin will make its closest approach to the United States on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing dangerous surf and/or coastal flooding to a dozen states.

Hurricane Erin is affecting parts of the East Coast, including beach towns such as Ocean City, Md., and more. Here's a look at this week's weather.

Hurricane Erin is forecast to “substantially grow in size” while moving closer to Bermuda Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour (mph). The Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said that the category three hurricane was about 675 miles south west of Bermuda and that a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands,