U.S. shores are unlikely to see a direct hit, but a strong offshore hurricane can produce massive and dangerous waves well away from its center.

Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands as winds and heavy rains continue to lash the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

After pummeling the Caribbean as a Category 3 hurricane over the weekend, Hurricane Erin has restrengthened to a Category 4 and is expected to bring life-threatening waves and rip currents up and down the East Coast.