Half-dozen boats, restaurant go up in flames at Long Island marina

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.

Half-dozen boats, restaurant go up in flames at Long Island marina

Watch: Worst of the monster waves slamming East Coast from Hurricane Erin

As Hurricane Erin churns in the Atlantic, several East Coast communities are cautioned to brace for dangerous swells and possible flooding. Early reports from North Carolina, particularly around Kitty Hawk, highlight the intensity of these conditions.