Hurricane Erin is wreaking havoc along the East Coast, unleashing fierce winds and towering 20-foot waves that threaten coastal cities from Maryland to Maine. As the storm churns just offshore, residents are bracing for severe impacts, including dangerous beach conditions and potential flooding.

In Ocean City, Maryland, where Fox Weather’s Brandy Campbell is reporting live, the scene is chaotic. Wind gusts are reaching upwards of 30 miles per hour, and massive waves are crashing onto the shore, with heights expected to peak at around 13 feet. The beach is eerily deserted, with no surfers or sunbathers daring to venture out. Instead, onlookers gather in parking lots, captivated by the raw power of nature.

Authorities have issued coastal flood warnings, cautioning that high tide, expected later this evening, could exacerbate flooding in low-lying areas. “We saw some flooding this morning, and we anticipate it will worsen as the tide rises again,” Campbell warned. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and avoid flooded roads, as some may become impassable.

While the storm remains offshore, the danger is palpable. Coastal communities are experiencing the brunt of Erin’s wrath, with strong winds and hazardous ocean conditions posing serious risks. Local officials are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely as the hurricane continues its northeast trajectory.

The good news? Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall, but its effects are already being felt. Stay tuned for live updates as this situation develops, and heed all safety warnings as the storm unfolds.