Coastal ‍flooding and life-threatening rip currents⁢ are ⁤expected as Hurricane Erin⁤ approaches the East Coast this week.Forecasters warn the powerful storm has the potential to unleash waves exceeding 100 feet (30 meters).

Hurricane Erin initially emerged as the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, rapidly intensifying to a Category 5 on Saturday (Aug. 16). It has since ⁤fluctuated ⁢in⁤ strength and is currently a Category⁤ 4 with sustained wind speeds around 130 mph (215 km/h).

The tropical storm is located‍ east of the southeastern bahamas and is predicted to travel between Bermuda and the East Coast by mid-week, according to a National Hurricane Center (NHC) update published Monday (Aug. 18).While not expected to make landfall, Erin is likely to create hazardous wave and⁤ flooding conditions.

A coastal flood watch was issued by the ⁣National weather Service on ⁤Sunday (Aug. 17) for the East Coast, with flooding anticipated as early ‍as Tuesday (Aug. 19). The Outer Banks of North Carolina are notably vulnerable. Dare ⁤County issued a state of emergency on Sunday, including a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island, in preparation for the flooding.

the storm’s passage could amplify wind-driven waves, potentially reaching⁣ enormous heights. One ocean and earth system modeling scientist estimates ⁢meaningful wave heights could exceed 50 feet, with⁢ the largest individual ⁢waves surpassing ‍100 feet.

The NHC also warns of dangerous ocean conditions affecting the Bahamas, Bermuda, the East Coast, and ⁤Atlantic Canada over the coming days, with life-threatening surf and rip currents‍ expected.

Related: Here’s why storm surge during‍ hurricanes ‍can be so catastrophic

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, ⁤requiring maximum sustained wind⁣ speeds of 74 mph⁤ (119 km/h) or greater, according to NOAA.