High surf and dangerous rip currents are likely. People are advised to stay out of the water this week, even when a lifeguard is on duty.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood watch for Thursday night, and a high-surf advisory is in effect until Friday night.

Hurricane Erin is bringing life-threatening rip and surf currents to New York and New Jersey despite being hundreds of miles away, according to forecasters. The storm is 800 miles away from the East Coast,

The National Hurricane Center warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands may become impassable, with waves as high as 20 feet crashing ashore. The heavy surf is likely to result in significant beach erosion, it said in its 8 a.m. EDT update.

The first Atlantic hurricane of the season is forecast to bring heavy rain and life-threatening surf and rip currents to the U.S. East Coast this week.

Here's a quick, easy-to-read look on the latest about Hurricane Erin, including what Florida residents should know.