'Dangerous' waves from Hurricane Larry to affect East Coast beaches this week

Though far out to sea, powerful Hurricane Larry will still have an impact on U.S. East Coast beaches this week, with large, dangerous swells predicted to cause "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the National Hurricane Center warned.

As these swells reach shallow waters of the East Coast, large breakers and dangerous rip currents will result, AccuWeather said. With limited lifeguard coverage after Labor Day weekend, beachgoers are strongly urged to heed advisories from local officials.

The increased wave action could also prompt coastal flooding at high tide, forecasters said.

By early Thursday, Larry is forecast to sideswipe Bermuda, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.

"Larry is forecast to pass about 200 miles to the east of Bermuda on Thursday, but some outer fringe rain and winds are likely to brush the islands," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty said.

Then, as the storm moves north away from Bermuda, it's forecast to approach Newfoundland, Canada, by Friday and Saturday, potentially making a direct hit on the southeastern part of the island.

"Larry is forecast to pass near Cape Race, Newfoundland, or possibly farther west over the island during Friday night or early Saturday morning," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson said.

Wind gusts of 80 to 100 mph are possible over a small area near where Larry makes landfall on Newfoundland, AccuWeather said. Winds this strong can cause significant property damage, topple numerous trees and lead to widespread power outages.

As of 11 a.m. ET Wednesday, Larry's sustained winds were clocked at 110 mph, making it a strong Category 2 hurricane. It was located about 500 miles southeast of Bermuda and was moving to the northwest at 13 mph, the Hurricane Center said.

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Tropical disturbance forming in Gulf likely to bring rain to Florida panhandle, Georgia

Forecasters were also tracking a disorganized tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that was expected to approach the Gulf Coast later Wednesday and early Thursday.

"Regardless of development, areas of heavy rainfall will be possible across portions of the Florida panhandle and southern Georgia through Thursday, with localized flooding possible," the Hurricane Center said.

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Northeast could see more flash flooding, thunderstorms

Meanwhile, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic was bracing for a stormy weather day on Wednesday, as a cold front was forecast to bring potentially severe thunderstorms to the areas.

"The associated heavy rain will increase the threat of localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads and small streams the most vulnerable from Wednesday through Thursday morning, especially over areas recently impacted by the severe flooding due to Ida," the National Weather Service said.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Larry path: East Coast beaches to get dangerous waves