New York Beaches Shut Down Amid Peril from Hurricane Erin, Warned to Prepare for Towering 10-foot Waves and Potentially Dangerous Rip Tides.
New York is bracing for a "Chill, Snow, Repeat" winter, but first, the city is set to face a different kind of challenge: Hurricane Erin. The storm, forecasted to hit the East Coast between August 20 and August 21, 2025, is expected to cause large waves, rough surf, and life-threatening rip currents along New York beaches.
Despite the storm's center remaining offshore, its swirling winds have produced dangerous ocean conditions. Across many East Coast beaches, including New York's, life-threatening rip currents and high surf conditions have been reported, leading to beach closures and warnings against swimming.
The waves along the Outer Banks, further south, reached up to 20 feet, with storm surge flooding impacting coastal roads. While New York beaches experienced significant risk from swells and rip currents, they generally experienced smaller waves compared to the Outer Banks.
Coastal erosion and flooding risks were exacerbated by already elevated sea levels, leading to potentially higher and more frequent waves during high tide periods, including evenings around August 20–21. The National Hurricane Center emphasized the danger from "life-threatening surf and rip currents," advising people not to swim at most East Coast beaches during this period, including New York’s beaches.
In response to the dangerous conditions expected for East Coast beaches, all beaches in New York will be closed from August 20 to August 21. Governor Kathy Hochul urges New Yorkers to prepare for these conditions on beaches and coastal towns and villages.
According to forecasts, Hurricane Erin will move north until Wednesday, then turn northeast between the East Coast of the United States and the Bermuda. The storm is expected to create dangerous rip currents and large waves. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation made this decision due to these potentially dangerous conditions.
Mayor Eric Adams has stated that they are working with all city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and ensure the safety of New Yorkers. Lifeguards and park enforcement patrols will be posted along New York's coast. Mayor Adams also urged New Yorkers to take precautions and sign up for NotifyNYC to receive additional information.
Governor Hochul advises New Yorkers living in potentially affected areas to stay safe and exercise caution until Hurricane Erin subsides later in the week. The National Weather Service expects waves up to 5 feet high. The National Hurricane Center provides the latest official forecasts for Hurricane Erin.
[1] New York City Department of Parks and Recreation press release, August 19, 2025. [2] National Hurricane Center advisory, August 20, 2025. [3] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration wave forecast, August 20, 2025. [4] National Weather Service high surf advisory, August 20, 2025.
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