Hurricane Erin, a powerful Category 4 storm, may make landfall in New York City as soon as the middle of the week.
New York City is bracing for impact as Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, approaches the Eastern Seaboard. Despite not making direct landfall, the city is expected to experience high surf, dangerous rip currents, minor flooding, beach erosion, and windy conditions over the coming days.
The storm, currently a Category 4 hurricane, rapidly intensified over the weekend, reaching peak winds of 160 mph before stabilizing. Although it has since weakened, its size extends hurricane-force winds up to 105 miles from its center, with tropical storm-force winds reaching 320 miles.
Potential Impacts on New York City
The National Hurricane Center warns that life-threatening waves and rip currents of 15 to 20 feet will extend hundreds of kilometers from Hurricane Erin's eye. Residents are advised to stay out of the water due to return currents being deadly.
Increasing wave heights of 15 to 20 feet are forecast, leading to very dangerous surf conditions. Life-threatening rip currents will be present along NYC beaches, the Jersey Shore, and Long Island. Wind gusts up to 30-40 mph are possible, although the storm center remains offshore.
Minor coastal flooding and beach erosion, especially during high tides from Wednesday night through Friday morning, are also expected. Widespread dune erosion is likely between Thursday night and Friday morning.
Beach Closures and Advisories
In response to the impending danger, Mayor Eric Adams has officially ordered New York beaches to be closed on Wednesday and Thursday (August 20 and 21). The city of Hempstead on Long Island has announced that swimming will be prohibited on its beaches starting Wednesday, with total closure on Thursday.
Governor Kathy Hochul has issued advisories urging New Yorkers, especially those near the Atlantic Ocean beaches, to stay alert due to the risk of flooding, dangerous surf, and rip currents lasting through the week.
Preparations and Precautions
Residents should check updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and NYC Emergency Management for warnings. New York Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa urges New Yorkers to pay attention to these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water.
AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, states that Hurricane Erin will go down in history as one of the fastest-intensifying storms on record. The entire northeastern coast is at risk due to Hurricane Erin's size.
To avoid low-lying coastal areas on Thursday and Friday, especially during high tide, is strongly advised.
Although Hurricane Erin is not expected to hit New York, its enormous wind field will bring dangerous conditions to the coast. Stay safe, New York City!
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