See Latest Hurricane Track, PA Impacts As Storm Moves North

Hurricane Erin is growing in size and heading north. It will arrive off the coast of New Jersey on Thursday, churning up winds of up to 50 mph, bringing life-threatening rip currents as well as widespread coastal flooding and possible beach erosion.

A separate storm system Wednesday is bringing rain across the Philadelphia region. As it interacts with Erin, it could cause coastal flooding. Incoming storms could also cause isolated flash flooding Wednesday afternoon and evening, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"Significant coastal hazards" are anticipated starting Wednesday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Coastal flooding could impact parts of the Philadelphia region through 2 a.m. Saturday in these areas:

The hurricane will be closest to New Jersey on Thursday.

"While the center of the storm will pass about 350-450 miles south and east of our area, it will be rapidly expanding in size with its tropical storm force wind field reaching just offshore of our coasts," the National Weather Service said.

"Our region is expected to see gusty winds, minor to moderate tidal flooding, high surf, and life threatening rip currents."

Many Jersey Shore beaches have already closed to swimming due to life-threatening rip currents this week. "This is no time to be complacent," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday. "I would just say to you flat out, don't go in the water."

The closed beaches include:

• Atlantic City: Knee-deep bathing only, no boogie boards, expected to be in place all week
• Avon: Expected to be in place all week
• Bay Head: No swimming Wednesday
• Beach Haven: Until further notice
• Belmar: Expected to be in place all week
• Bradley Beach: Expected to be in place all week
• Brigantine: Expected to be in place all week
• Cape May: Until further notice
• Harvey Cedars: Until further notice
• Island Beach State Park: No swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, mobile sport fishing vehicle access through at least Thursday
• Long Beach Township: Until further notice
• Long Branch: Through Friday
• Point Pleasant: Until further notice
• Ocean City: Until further notice
• Ocean Grove: Expected to be in place all week
• Seaside Heights: Expected to be in place all week
• Seaside Park: Expected to be in place all week
• Ship Bottom: Until further notice
• Ventnor: Until further notice
• Wildwoods: No swimming, surfing until further notice

A High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk Statement are in effect for all Jersey Shore beaches through Friday. Also, a Wind Advisory is in effect for all coastal zones from Ocean County south.

"Please, please, please take this seriously," Murphy urged. "Particularly push back on complacency, on the human nature of 'gosh, it's beautiful outside. Let's sneak a quick dip in the water.' This is not the week to do that."

Here's a look at Erin's current track and timing:

Here's the current local forecast for the Philadelphia region:

Today: A chance of showers before 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 3pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3am, then a slight chance of showers between 3am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 61. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.