JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane Erin is currently listed as a Category 2 storm according to the latest National Weather Service advisory, moving at 13 mph.
Erin previously reached Category 5 status for a brief period over the weekend. It is forecast to continue up the coastline, potentially regaining strength to Category 3 before trending downward again.
The biggest headlines: Evacuation orders are in effect for Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks in North Carolina, with concerns about erosion, especially along Highway 12, a major evacuation route.
The DC and Maryland coastlines, including Ocean City, are also expected to feel effects as the storm continues tracking north.
Forecast models show Erin turning toward Bermuda and possibly impacting northeast Atlantic Canada, bringing tropical storm conditions and high surf.
Local rip current hazards, beach warnings
Jacksonville area beaches are under a high rip current risk, with dangerous surf conditions predicted through at least Saturday.
Wave heights are expected to reach 6 feet or more along the Northeast Florida coast, especially from St. Augustine north through Jacksonville, St. Marys and Brunswick.
The Weather Authority is strongly advising against getting in the water unless you are a highly experienced swimmer.
The forecast shows these hazardous conditions will persist as Hurricane Erin moves north, gradually improving into the weekend, but will still not be safe for many beachgoers.
If you capture storm or surf photos, share them with us on SnapJAX at news4jax.com/snapjax — you might see your images on-air or online!
Hot temperatures and a stormy outlook
The forecast for Jacksonville stays hot and humid with afternoon highs near 91 to 92 degrees through the week.
Expect a clear start to school mornings around 7 a.m., but keep an umbrella handy as thunderstorms could pop up later in the day.
Current morning temperatures are hovering in the mid to upper 70s, with generally warm water along the east coast boosting storm development potential.
Looking further ahead, the 3-day and 7-day forecasts show persistent summer heat, with a slight drop expected heading into the weekend.
Watch for more tropical development in the Atlantic as water temperatures remain favorable.
What you need to know
- Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 as of the latest update, expected to impact the Outer Banks and bring dangerous conditions to the First Coast
- Outer Banks evacuations underway; Florida beaches are not safe for inexperienced swimmers due to rip currents and high surf
- Local forecasts call for continued hot weather and scattered storms; monitor The Weather Authority for updates as the situation develops