Even more significant is Erin’s massive size. Forecasters say hurricane-force winds are now stretching out as far as 105 miles from Erin’s center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward to 265 miles.

Multiple warnings were in effect along the East Coast on Wednesday, as officials warned of a "life-threatening" situation.

From Florida to New England, people trying to enjoy the last hurrahs of summer along the coast were met with rip current warnings, closed beaches and in some cases already treacherous waves as Hurricane Erin inched closer Wednesday.

Hurricane Erin continues to move parallel to the East Coast and it is expected to bring a prolonged period of destructive surf and dangerous rip currents.

A Spirit Airlines plane appears to have flown through Hurricane Erin this week when the hurricane was a Category 4 storm with winds well over 100 mph, according to a flight path shared on social media. Spirit Airlines told Newsweek in a statement that the flight operated normally and no injuries were reported.

As the edges of Hurricane Erin get closer to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, much attention has been placed on Highway 12, a roughly 150-mile-long byway that connects that state’s islands and peninsulas. It is beloved by locals and tourists because of its scenic views of the ocean, sand dunes and old lighthouses.

As Hurricane Erin hits the East Coast, learn the steps to take to keep your family safe when a big storm hits your home.

North Carolina’s coastal communities are already seeing storm-related flooding. Here’s what meteorologists expect on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Places considered neutral spaces by immigrants such as schools, hospitals and emergency management agencies are now suspect, and agreements by local law enforcement to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement make them more vulnerable, choosing between physical safety or avoiding detention.