Hurricane Erin's powerful waves prompt the closing of New York City's beaches, posing a threat to public safety.
Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 2 storm, is sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean and is set to bring rough surf and life-threatening currents to a large swath of the US East Coast. The storm is capable of triggering rip currents along the coast from Miami Beach to Camden, Maine.
Forecasters predict dangerous conditions for days along Eastern beaches, a time when they would typically be packed with late-summer visitors. In response, local authorities have taken necessary precautions. Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and other beach towns in North Carolina have been ordered to evacuate, and a state of emergency has been declared.
A 'double red flag day' is in effect on Tuesday to ban ocean swimming near North Carolina's Outer Banks barrier islands. Similarly, beaches in Delaware, including Rehoboth, and along the Jersey Shore have closed to swimmers. New York City beaches will be closed to swimmers on Wednesday and Thursday. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water until the waves subside on Saturday.
The storm's winds extend 230 miles (370 kilometers) from its center as of 2 pm local time. Erin was a scale-topping Category 5 storm last weekend, with top winds reaching 160 mph. However, it is expected to fluctuate in intensity before it begins to break down.
The cities on the US East Coast impacted by the expansion of Hurricane Erin on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to beaches being closed to swimming, are not explicitly named in the search results. However, it is reported that Hurricane Erin came very close to the US East Coast, causing massive waves and storm surges that made beaches unsafe.
The waves on south-facing beaches in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, are expected to crest up to 13 feet (4 meters). Bryce Williams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service outside Boston, stated that a lot of people are trying to get out in the water due to the warm waters. However, he emphasised the importance of heeding the warnings and staying out of the water for safety reasons, as rip currents can carry even strong swimmers out to sea, raising the risk of drowning.
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa stated that keeping New Yorkers safe is their top priority. Despite the closure of beaches, parks will remain open for visitors to enjoy, as long as they follow safety guidelines and stay away from the water.
As Hurricane Erin continues to move north, it serves as a reminder for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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