Hurricane Erin, which started as a tropical storm west of the Cabo Verde Islands, is making its way towards the east coast — although, its core is not forecast to go over land.

Hurricane Erin will dance along the U.S. East Coast this week, and while it will not be close enough to wreak heavy havoc, it's still quite dangerous.

New York and New Jersey — along with most East Coast states — are facing threats of life-threatening rip currents and massive waves from Hurricane Erin as the massive Category 2 cyclone creeps continues to churn off the coast.

Researchers at Virginia Tech say while rapid intensification of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Erin, is common, we are seeing higher rates than in the past. As Hurricane Erin moves through the Atlantic and is forecasted to create dangerous rip currents along the East Coast,

The beaches at Assateague Island and Ocean City, Maryland, are closed due to dangerous rip currents and high surf brought on by Hurricane Erin.

Surfers prayed to the wave gods ahead of the competition and Hurricane Erin listened, as she is primed to send big waves to our coastline.

Reports from NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph. Steady to rapid strengthening is expected during the next two to three days, and Erin is forecast to become a major hurricane this weekend.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is closing its beach accesses and facilities ahead of expected impacts from Hurricane Erin this week.