Hurricane Erin’s passage far off shore created nearly perfect conditions for surfers along much of Florida’s coast. Miami Herald photographer Alie Skowronski spent Thursday morning on the beach in Stuart and caught amazing action on waves estimated at eight feet and higher.

Hurricane Erin was battering the northeast with strong winds and heavy surf on Friday morning as forecasters monitored three other systems in the Atlantic for possible tropical formation.

Thunderstorms and rain continue to sweep across Florida after Hurricane Erin veered away at the last moment and passed by the Sunshine State with relatively minor impact. Dangerous rip current warnings are still in place as the passing storm causes massive waves and irregular patterns in the water.

Most hurricanes that go down in history are remembered for the devastation they bring. But with little to no chance of hitting land, Hurricane Erin will be remembered for something else: its size.

A stronger and bigger Hurricane Erin pelted parts of the Caribbean and was forecast to create dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week.

Forecasters are keeping a close watch on other potential storm systems that could develop in the Atlantic Ocean in the next seven days.

Users were impressed by the perspective captured in the viral post, with one describing it as "beautiful and terrifying."

Miami faces a heatwave with high humidity, thunderstorms, and a heat index of 106, worsened by wildfire smoke reducing visibility.

Flooding caused by Hurricane Erin led to 34 people being evacuated from two restaurants in Margate Thursday night.

This page summarizes news on Erin for Wednesday, Aug. 20. For the latest news on Hurricane Erin, visit USA TODAY's coverage for Thursday, Aug. 21. Hurricane Erin's higher tides and big waves are battering much of the East Coast,