Hurricane Erin continues to move parallel to the East Coast and it is expected to bring a prolonged period of destructive surf and dangerous rip currents.

Hurricane Erin on Wednesday grew in size as it made its way up into the Atlantic off the U.S. East Coast with tropical-storm conditions forecast to hit North Carolina and dangerous surf left

Although forecast to pass the N.C. coast well offshore, Hurricane Erin is expected to bring heavy surf and life-threatening flooding to the coast.

North Carolina’s coastal communities are already seeing storm-related flooding. Here’s what meteorologists expect on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Special edition Stanley tumblers are selling out, but these are still in stockREAD THE FULL STORY:Tracking Hurricane Erin: Computer models and mapsCHECK OUT WPBF:Get the latest West Palm Beach news. WPBF gives you online,

The City of Virginia Beach provided an update on preparedness efforts and potential impacts ahead of Hurricane Erin.

Dozens of people have been rescued from rip currents as Hurricane Erin churns up the Eastern seaboard. Authorities said about 60 people have been rescued from rip currents at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., according to the Wilmington Star-News and NBC affiliate WRAL-TV .

Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 3 hurricane during the early hours of Aug. 19 as it moves closer to the East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.