Sandy is expected to bring high surf, rip currents and minor beach erosion to the Lowcountry Friday and Saturday, as the storm moves on a track parallel to Beaufort County's coastline.

The storm is expected to stay well offshore, but meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Charleston urge swimmers to stay out of the water until late afternoon Sunday.

Wind gusts locally could be as strong as 34 mph today and Saturday, according to the weather service, which led organizers to close the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market Friday, a market spokeswoman said.

Organizers said the market, which is typically open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Honey Horn Drive, will reopen Nov. 2.