Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it threatens to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the eastern coast of the United States. The rains caused by the storm are already beginning to hit the south-eastern Bahamas, and the Turk and Caicos Islands, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.

Erin is forecast to become a major hurricane and cruise the waters between Bermuda and the United States next week. Even if a direct hit does not occur in the U.S., seas and surf will pose serious threats to coastal areas.