RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Forecasters posted gale warnings for the Southeast coast because of a storm system threatening to bring stiff winds and heavy seas later this week.

"It's pretty much a strong nor'easter," Austin said. "We get them in the fall and spring."

"Increasing winds today and tonight and into Wednesday is a safe bet," says 13News Meteorologist Craig Moeller. "How much rain we get depends on two developing systems and how they interact."

Austin said winds would blow 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 through Thursday night. He said 11 to 15-foot waves were expected in the Atlantic with eight to 10-foot breakers on the beach.

Beth Brown, 13News

Waves crash on the beach at the Va. Beach Oceanfront.

Rip currents, beach erosion and flooding in low coastal areas were expected, he said. Gale warnings were posted for parts of the Florida coast as well as the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

In an e-mail to 13news, Dare County officials cancelled Wednesday's unveiling and demonstration of a new glass crusher in Manteo due to concerns of high wind and poor weather conditions.

A small craft advisory was posted for portions of the northeast coast.

In South Carolina, forecasters posted a lake wind advisory for parts of the Midlands.

The weather service said northeast winds would gust between 25 mph and 30 mph Tuesday in the central and eastern parts of the state. Gusts to 35 mph were expected through Wednesday in eastern counties.

Rain was forecast through Friday night tapering to showers by Saturday across North Carolina.

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