Hurricane Erin is a sprawling Category 4 storm churning in the Atlantic Monday after exploding in strength at a historic rate this weekend. The storm’s enormous footprint is becoming the biggest concern as it brings heavy rain and gusty winds to islands far from its center and threatens to drive life-threatening rip currents and towering waves toward the eastern US coastline and Bermuda,

Coastal flood and beach erosion are also possible this week as Hurricane Erin passes far off the Jersey Shore.

Flooding, rip current and small craft weather alerts were issued by the NWS for South Jersey as result of Hurricane Erin.

Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of the year, is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the U.S. eastern coastline, with the Outer Banks region of North Carolina particularly at risk.

Rip currents and high surf are expected along Massachusetts' coast, and particularly at its south-facing beaches.

The storm will remain a major hurricane through the middle of the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Although direct impacts to the U.S. East Coast aren't expected, North Carolina officials aren't taking any chances.

Hurricane Erin is forecast to remain well offshore but still bring hazardous currents and possible erosion like previous offshore hurricanes before it.