Hurricane Erin threatens Maryland, Virginia, Delaware beaches with heavy winds, high surf

Hurricane Erin: Storm surge, strong winds hit MD, VA & DE

Hurricane Erin sent strong winds and crashing waves toward mid-Atlantic beaches Thursday.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - Hurricane Erin churned off the East Coast Thursday, sending powerful waves and gusty winds toward beaches in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Lifeguard stands moved back

Coastal towns including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Ocean City braced for flooding as surf surged ahead of high tide. 

READ MORE: Hurricane Erin making closest approach to US with massive waves, dangerous rip currents

Hurricane Erin: Mid-Atlantic beaches brace for winds, rising waters

Hurricane Erin churned off the East Coast Thursday, sending powerful waves and gusty winds toward beaches in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda reported from the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, where large waves crashed ashore and lifeguard stands were moved closer to the street as a precaution.

READ MORE: Hurricane Erin brings gusty winds to DMV region Thursday

Hurricane Erin threatens Maryland, Virginia, Delaware beaches

Hurricane Erin churned off the East Coast Thursday, sending powerful waves and gusty winds toward beaches in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.

Flood warnings issued

Officials said water could reach the dunes but hoped it would stop short of the Boardwalk, which is lined with hotels, restaurants and shops.

Coastal Flood Warnings and Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect across the region and offshore waters. The National Weather Service urged residents and visitors to prepare for flooding, especially in low-lying areas near tidal waterways.

Hurricane Erin: Coastal Flood Warnings issued for mid-Atlantic beaches

Hurricane Erin regained strength Thursday as it inched toward the mid-Atlantic coast, prompting warnings across the region.