The National Weather Service issued a high rip current risk alert for all southeastern North Carolina beaches from Tuesday through Friday, especially for east and southeast-facing beaches.

Erin strengthened again Monday as it began pelting part of the Caribbean with rain and wind before it’s expected to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week.

Hurricane Erin is expected to grow in size and strength as it moves north through the Atlantic this week. Forecasters expect it to pass well offshore of North Carolina on Wednesday and Thursday, but say it likely will cause coastal flooding and erosion, along with dangerous rip currents.

Coastal communities are on high alert as Hurricane Erin is expected to impact North Carolina beaches this week.