Lifeguards and fire rescue crews in Hollywood Beach are on alert as red warning flags and safety signs go up, urging visitors to avoid the water altogether.

As Floridians breathe a collective sign of relief from escaping the worst impacts of Hurricane Erin, there’s one group of people that are particularly thrilled with the exact track of this storm — surfers.

Forecasts nudge Erin's likely path to the west, increasing the risks at U.S. beaches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in North Carolina's Outer Banks starting late Wednesday.

South Florida is not forecast to see direct impacts from Hurricane Erin, but rip currents and surf up to 6 feet, especially along Palm Beach, are likely.

There is a risk for dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the entire east coast, including most of Florida.