As Erin’s wind field continues to expand, the storm is fueling widespread, destructive surf conditions and dangerous rip currents along the coast from Florida to New York. The risk for the East Coast will last until the end of the week, prompting many beaches to ban swimming.

Hurricane Erin moves offshore but still threatens East Coast with dangerous surf, rip currents, and tropical winds. Follow Newsweek's live blog.

The National Hurricane Center warned that “life-threatening” surf and rip currents would affect the Bahamas, Bermuda and beaches up and down the East Coast over the next several days. "Beachgoers are cautioned against swimming at most U.S. East Coast beaches due to life-threatening surf and rip currents," the hurricane center said.