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, currently a Category 2 storm, is expected to pass more than 300 miles southeast of the region. While projections show its center remaining offshore, forecasters note that local impacts, including rip currents and variable weather, could still occur.

A weekend swim at a Florida beach ended in tragedy when a teenager died and two others were injured after being caught in a rip current. The trio became stuck while swimming, highlighting the hidden dangers of ocean currents.