SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Hurricane Irene is churning up rough seas and dangerous riptides on Georgia's beaches as the storm passes the coast 240 miles offshore.

Lifeguards on Tybee Island closed its waters to swimmers Friday after officials decided conditions were too dangerous. Surfers and others with flotation devices were still being allowed in the water at their own risk.

On St. Simons Island, police are doing beach patrols and urging people to stay out of the surf.

National Weather Service meteorologist Al Sandrik says Irene should bring up to 2 inches of rain and occasional gusts of more than 50 mph to coastal Georgia despite passing far offshore. There's also a chance of coastal flooding at high tide, when the water is forecast to be 1 to 2 feet higher than normal.