BETHANY BEACH, Delaware — Hurricane Erin is expected to pass well offshore of the Mid-Atlantic but close enough to generate strong winds and dangerous seas and surf for Virginia, Maryland and Delaware beaches, particularly through Friday morning. Conditions may remain perilous into the weekend and many beaches are closed — disrupting plans for scores of people, including local residents, who may be vacationing in the area.

The National Weather Service is warning that Erin and a zone of high pressure north of the storm will probably funnel wind and water into the coast, generating hazards that include life-threatening rip currents, waves over seven feet, periods of tidal flooding and beach erosion.

High winds — with gusts from 35 to 50 mph — are also possible. Tropical storm warnings are

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