Jersey shore braces for impacts from Hurricane Erin as it races up the Atlantic Ocean

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) — Atlantic City is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Erin, which, despite not making landfall, is generating hazardous conditions along the Jersey shore.

“Tomorrow is going to be a messy day and a dangerous day,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

The ocean is closed for swimming until at least Friday, according to the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, which reported performing 45 rescues on Sunday.

Officials say surf conditions have worsened since then, but the city is prepared for the storm’s impact.

“Right now, rip current is about as bad as it can get, and we expect that to continue through the next couple of days,” said Chief Steve Downey of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol.

Officials issued a safety alert Monday restricting swimming and advising beachgoers not to enter the water past their ankles. Atlantic City is one of more than a dozen beach towns implementing restrictions.

Another major concern – moderate coastal flooding, which peaks on Thursday evening.

“The city is increasing its capabilities to operate in flood environments, such as our high-water vehicles and the waders, the flat-bottom boats,” said Scott Evans, Atlantic City’s emergency management coordinator.

In nearby Ventnor, the ocean is closed to swimmers and residents are being urged to move their vehicles to higher ground.

“Based upon what the projections are, we are already anticipating and warning people Route 40 will be closed,” said Evans.

RELATED: Hurricane Erin picking up steam as it edges along the East Coast, prompting beach closures, warnings

City officials released a map showing areas expected to experience moderate flooding. Pumps will be operating to drain water off the island, but Evans warned of additional impacts.

“We are going to see some major beach erosion and we’re going to see water in the streets,” he said.

Emergency coordinators are urging residents and visitors not to drive through flooded roads. The Wave parking garage will be open and free to the public.

“Maintain situational awareness,” Evans said. “Everyone should have a weather source, everybody should have a place where they get their information. One thing we always stress is look out for your neighbors.”

Despite the warnings, some families vacationing in Atlantic City tried to make the most of their time before conditions worsened.

For the latest conditions on area highways, check 6abc.com/Traffic.

“Yesterday, you were allowed to put your feet in the water, stuff like that. So we still had fun,” said Sharon Tomback of Wayne, New Jersey.

“You plan it in advance, but you can’t control the weather,” said Michelle Mann from Lockwood, New York.

While no evacuation orders are currently in place, officials advise anyone planning to leave to do so before high tide Wednesday night.

Sea Isle Beach Patrol gets ready for Erin’s impact

Action News went on patrol with Chief Renny Steele of the Sea Isle Beach patrol on Wednesday as coastal towns prepared for coastal flooding thanks to Hurricane Erin.

Chief Steele ordered his crews to remove boats and other apparatus from the beach in anticipation of high tides. Lifeguards moved beach stands to the high point of the sand dunes.

“Right now, the beaches are open and the water is open, but it’s restricted quite a bit. We are letting people wade in the water ankle to knee deep,” said Steele.

He added, “We expect tomorrow for water to be closed and no ocean activities tomorrow. We also are thinking of (closing) the beach if the waves are breaking against sand dunes, we’ll close down.”

On Tuesday, Governor Murphy told people not to go into the water but left the decision up to individual townships.

Cape May County issued Coastal Flood Warnings alerting people to strong onshore winds, flooding concerns and tidal surges, including communities along the Delaware Bay.