The first area has been under the eyes of the National Hurricane Center for a few days as it emerged off Africa’s west coast.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two areas in the Atlantic Ocean for potential tropical development behind Hurricane Erin, with the closest area to watch expected to to track near Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents have forced many beaches to ban swimming and boogie boarding this week.

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.

Hurricane Erin triggers dangerous surf and rip currents along the Atlantic coast, prompting a number of water rescues and beach closures.