Arthur, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, is churning up the East Coast Thursday, and the tri-state could see related rain and rough surf over the July 4 weekend.
Arthur became a Category 2 hurricane Thursday evening as it approached North Carolina, according to the National Weather Service.
It is expected to dump 3 to 5 inches of rain and bring sustained winds of up to 90 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The storm should move through quickly and be off the coast of New England later in the day, perhaps making landfall in Canada's maritime provinces as a tropical storm.
Arthur is expected to veer to the east, sparing the tri-state a direct hit. But the tropical moisture associated with the hurricane will merge with a cold front moving into the region late Thursday, causing heavy rain into Friday.
The region should also see very rough surf, with a high risk of rip currents and ocean breakers up to 10 feet.
The severe weather that hammered the New York City area with heavy rains and lightning on Wednesday and Thursday evenings wasn't related to Arthur.
The rain from Arthur will be steady Friday, tapering off by the evening from west to east. The timing of the storm looks like fireworks celebrations will be spared from rain.
A spokesman said the Macy's fireworks show over the East River would take place rain or shine. Organizers will monitor the forecast and could delay the start if severe weather moves in.
Clouds should clear early Saturday morning, and the rest of the weekend looks sunny and warm.
Get the latest from the Storm Team on NBC 4 New York's weather page, with an interactive radar you can use to track Arthur.
