FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a Category 4 storm in the Caribbean. While it’s not forecast to make landfall, its impacts are already being felt along Florida’s First Coast.

At the Flagler Beach pier, city officials are preparing for high surf, beach erosion and dangerous rip currents.

“It’s one of these things we’re preparing for the worst, hoping for the best. We’ll see what happens. You know have a better preparation when it comes in the closer," Tom Gillin, the City of Flagler Beach Recreation/Ocean Rescue director.

Red flags will be flying along the beach from Tuesday through Thursday as waves grow stronger each day. Gillin is urging beachgoers to use caution.

“The waves will be bigger than it’ll be a little bit rougher and your best bet is it if you

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