Hurricane Erin will make its closest approach to the United States on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing dangerous surf and/or coastal flooding to a dozen states.

Hurricane Erin was taking aim at the U.S. East Coast on Tuesday evening, according to forecasters who are warning Americans of life-threatening rip currents along beaches that could persist for days.

Powerful Hurricane Erin is expected to bring high seas, big rip currents, and rough surf as it moves between the United States and Bermuda.