It looks nice out there, but head east and the ocean is in a fury. Some of that is extending back to the Maine coast with the churning of Hurricane Erin in the Atlantic. A high surf advisory is in effect for the Midcoast.

At 5 p.m. this morning, Aug. 22, the center of Erin was near latitude 38.6 North, longitude 65.3 West with sustained winds of 90 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Erin was moving toward the northeast near 22 mph and expected to turn east-northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected later today.

"On the forecast track, the center of Erin will pass south of Atlantic Canada today and tonight, and then race across the north Atlantic waters," the NWS said.

A high surf advisory is in effect along the coastal waters, and lobstermen this morning were thinking twice about going out to check traps.

The advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.

A Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect from 10 p.m. tonight, Aug. 22, to 1 a.m. Aug. 23.

"Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet and a high risk of dangerous rip current" are associated with the surf advisory.

For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding and splash-over can be anticipated in Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Coastal Waldo counties.

According to NWS, the impacts could include flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.

Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

Do not drive around road barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Large waves can present a danger to people on rocks above the water. Stay away from rock outcrops along the shoreline exposed to ocean waves...as waves can easily sweep people into the cold ocean water.

Elevated Fire Weather Danger Predicted Today

The NWS is also advising: "A very dry air mass and breezy conditions will combine with dead and dry fuels such as grass, leaves, and twigs to create the potential for uncontrolled fire spread across the coastal plain of Maine and southeast New Hampshire today.

"This afternoon, relative humidity values will decrease to low levels between 25 to 30 R.H.%.

"At the same time, north to northeast| winds between 10 to 15 mph with frequent gusts to 20 mph will continue to dry fuels and increase fire spread potential. Near the coast, a sea breeze will develop this afternoon with southeast winds gusting to 20 mph. Wind gusts are expected to diminish later this evening with increasing relative humidity values. Extra caution should be taken to prevent wildfires. Always consult with fire officials before engaging in any open burning activities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Never leave an open fire unattended and always extinguish campfires completely before leaving."

This advisory extends throughout much of Maine and parts of New Hampshire: "Interior York-Central Interior Cumberland-Androscoggin-Kennebec- Interior Waldo-Coastal York-Coastal Cumberland-Sagadahoc-Lincoln- Knox-Coastal Waldo-Interior Cumberland Highlands-Strafford- Eastern Hillsborough-Interior Rockingham-Coastal Rockingham- Including the cities of Sanford, Gray-New Gloucester, Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta, Liberty, Biddeford-Saco, Portland, Bath, Damariscotta, Rockland, Belfast, Bridgton, Rochester, Manchester, Nashua, Derry, and Portsmouth."