Tropical Storm Erin To Strengthen Into Hurricane: See Potential NJ Impacts

Tropical Storm Erin is expected to strengthen in the next few days and despite uncertainty about the storm's track, the future hurricane will likely impact New Jersey's coast.

“Gradual strengthening is forecast to begin later today or tonight, and Erin is expected to become a hurricane by Friday,” the National Hurricane Center at NOAA said Wednesday.

Direct impacts to the United States are not likely, forecasters say. But that doesn't mean Erin won't cause any harm to New Jersey.

“Based on current conditions, forecast atmospheric patterns for the next week, and historical hurricane tracks for this time of year, AccuWeather estimates a 70 percent probability that Erin will not directly impact the U.S. East Coast at this time,” AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. “Families heading to Atlantic beaches this weekend and next week for a late-summer vacation need to be careful. Rip currents can be deadly. More than 50 people have lost their lives to rip currents and rough surf at beaches across the country so far this year.”

It's still too early to tell exactly how the hurricane will play out. AccuWeather forecasters believe an offshore track from the East Coast is most likely at this time. This will cause hazardous beach conditions next week.

“Despite being hundreds of miles offshore, Erin will likely bring dangerous rough surf, deadly rip currents, and possible erosion issues to beaches along the East Coast,” DaSilva warned.

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Erin is currently expected to move west and north, bringing dangerous surf conditions to the area of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“However, the magnitude of those impacts is still not known, and interests there should continue to monitor the progress of this storm,” the National Hurricane Center said. There is even more uncertainty regarding impacts on the U.S. East Coast.

“As we approach the climatological peak of the hurricane season, this is an opportune time to ensure your preparedness plans are in place,” the National Hurricane Center said.