Although the storm is expected to stay offshore, it will produce dangerous surf conditions for much of the Atlantic Coast this week, forecasters say.

A watch means the ingredients are there for severe weather. A warning means it is happening. But there are differences based on weather type.

Much of North Carolina’s Outer Banks region is under a tropical storm watch with Hurricane Erin expected to skirt the area Wednesday through Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

A tropical storm watch was issued by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC on Monday at 4:50 p.m. in effect until Tuesday at 2 a.m. for Ocracoke Island.

The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC released an updated storm surge watch at 5:05 a.m. on Tuesday in effect until 1:15 p.m. for Ocracoke Island.

An updated fire weather watch was released by the NWS Hanford CA on Monday at 7:50 p.m. valid from Wednesday 9 a.m. until Saturday 9 p.m. for Fort Tejon.

At 2:08 p.m. on Friday, the NWS Spokane WA issued a fire weather watch valid from Monday noon until Tuesday 9 p.m. The watch is for East Washington Central Cascades, East Portion of North Cascades National Park / Lake Chelan National Recreation Area,

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are possible along with isolated hail up to quarter-size.