Meteorologists are closely tracking the projected path and forecast of Hurricane Erin, which is the first hurricane to develop over the Atlantic this year.

On Wednesday, Hurricane Erin was several hundred miles off the coast of Florida and beginning to push storm surge and deadly rip currents toward the shore. Two other systems may form right behind.

RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) — From Florida to New England, people trying to enjoy the last hurrahs of summer along the coast were met with rip current warnings, closed beaches and in some cases already treacherous waves as Hurricane Erin inched closer Wednesday.

Rough surf and strong winds from Hurricane Erin​ are battering beaches, and the storm is expected to cause major erosion.

The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.

Even more significant is Erin’s massive size. Forecasters say hurricane-force winds are now stretching out as far as 105 miles from Erin’s center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward to 265 miles.

As Hurricane Erin hits the East Coast, learn the steps to take to keep your family safe when a big storm hits your home.

More than 33 million Americans were under coastal flood advisories on Aug 20 as Hurricane Erin head north toward the U.S. mainland.