Erin weakens to a Category 3 hurricane
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U.S. shores are unlikely to see a direct hit, but a strong offshore hurricane can produce massive and dangerous waves well away from its center.
The NHC said it currently expected Erin to become a Category 4 storm later Saturday but to eventually swerve away from the continental United States.
Hurricane Alicia made landfall in Texas on this day in 1983, causing over 100 mph wind gusts, 12-foot storm surge and $9.8 billion in damage.