Hurricane Erin unleashed towering waves and treacherous rip currents on the tri-state coast, touching off beach closures and minor flooding in low-lying areas. As the storm moves north and east, clearer skies and warmer temperatures offer an optimistic outlook for the weekend.

Hurricane Erin is amplifying in strength as it edges along the mid-Atlantic coast. Churning waves have already resulted in beach shutdowns from the Carolinas to New York City, and forecasters warn of the possibility it will become a major hurricane.

Hurricane Erin has yet to make landfall, but its power is already being felt along New Jersey’s coastline. Citing strong currents whipped up by the storm, officials in Wildwood, Belmar, Bay Head and Island Beach State Park have temporarily banned swimming to keep beachgoers safe.