NEW YORK (PIX11) – The tri-state area is bracing for Hurricane Erin as it churns up the East Coast on Thursday.

The system is currently a Category 2 hurricane, but is expected to intensify in strength, according to the National Weather Service. It's packing sustained winds of 110 miles per hour.

North Carolina's Outer Banks bore the brunt of Hurricane Erin, with life-threatening surf, significant flooding and beach erosion. Officials closed a main highway linking the Barrier Islands on Wednesday night as the surge increased and waves grew higher.

Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that New York City beaches would be shut down on Wednesday and Thursday due to dangerous rip currents. Gov. Kathy Hochul also banned swimming at ocean-facing state beaches.

On Coney Island, Luna Park has s

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