Hurricane Lee will pass safely offshore as it makes its closest approach tonight and Saturday morning. But, the tri-state area will still feel indirect impacts despite Lee being over 300 miles away. Dangerous water conditions and blustery winds will impact the weather through Saturday for much of the region.

A high surf advisory and rip current statement are in effect for the entire Jersey Shore and south-facing Long Island shoreline. The high surf advisory is in effect for waves that can reach up to 15 feet crashing onshore today and tomorrow. There will also be dangerous rip currents for these same areas. Stay out of the water - no matter the activity, including boating and swimming.

LIVE: Track Hurricane Lee's path and indirect impacts

While those indirect impacts are limited to the coastline and offshore, many will feel the blustery wind through Saturday. Wind gusts have already been over 20 mph across the area so far today - with 20 to 30 mph gusts are expected tonight and tomorrow, including inland. Wind gusts likely reach 40 mph, however, toward the East End of Long Island, closest to Lee.

These wind gusts are not expected to cause power outages or downed tree limbs, but you may want to secure any loose outdoor belongings, such as trash cans and bins.

Lee will also cause areas from New York City points east to be mostly cloudy through midday Saturday. The sunshine returns late Saturday and will be mostly sunny for Sunday.

For more hyperlocal updates on Lee, make sure to tune into your local News 12 on air or streaming on the News 12 app and Roku. The News 12 Storm Watch Team will continue to keep you safe and informed all hurricane season long.