Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin, while staying hundreds of miles off the Jersey Shore, brings rough surf, windy conditions and the potential for widespread coastal flooding to the region.

Beaches along the New Jersey coast and in Delaware were closed Tuesday as the powerful storm churned in the Atlantic. New York City announced its beaches would close on Wednesday and Thursday.

Jersey Shore officials are pleading with the public to avoid swimming in the ocean when no lifeguards are around, especially now with Hurricane Erin.

The girl’s sister, Sameeha Sultana, 13, was found unresponsive about an hour later at 7th Avenue, a block north. Rescue crews and the U.S. Coast Guard pulled her out of the water, and CPR was performed. She was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

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,