The NWS Wakefield VA issued an updated tropical storm warning at 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until Thursday at 7 a.m. for Western Currituck.

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

An updated tropical storm warning was released by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC on Wednesday at 4:57 a.m. in effect until 1 p.m. for Mainland Dare.

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

The massive hurricane was picking up speed, traveling north at 14 mph, and its center was located about 295 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. A tropical storm warning is in effect for parts of North Carolina and Virginia as the impacts from Erin spread northward.

The NWS Wakefield VA issued an updated tropical storm warning at 11:01 a.m. on Wednesday in effect until 7:15 p.m. for Western Currituck.

About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. And more than 80 percent of beach rescues annually involve rip currents. Already this year,