New York Beaches Shut Down Due to Hurricane Erin's Looming Danger, Bringing 10-Foot Waves and Lethal Tidal Streams
Hurricane Erin to Bring Dangerous Conditions to East Coast Beaches, Including New York City
Hurricane Erin, which has intensified rapidly over the Atlantic, is forecast to impact the U.S. East Coast, primarily by generating dangerous swells, high waves, and strong winds. Although the storm is expected to stay offshore without direct landfall, its large size will cause hazardous conditions along the coast.
Erin initially intensified to Category 5 but has since weakened to Category 2 as it approaches the East Coast. The storm's center is predicted to move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda and then pass south of Atlantic Canada by the weekend, reducing the likelihood of a direct hit on the coast.
Wave heights along East Coast beaches, including New York City, are expected to be significantly elevated due to these swells, posing risks for swimmers and beachgoers. The storm surge warning issued for parts of coastal areas like the Outer Banks indicates potential life-threatening coastal flooding risk further down the coast, and similar, though weaker, effects are a concern for NYC beaches as well.
Safety measures recommended for beach and coastal areas in the path of Hurricane Erin include:
- Avoiding swimming or entering the water due to strong rip currents and high waves.
- Heeding local storm surge warnings and evacuation orders if applicable.
- Monitoring official National Hurricane Center updates and local emergency management advisories to stay informed of changing conditions.
- Preparing for possible coastal flooding and dangerous surf conditions even if the hurricane itself remains offshore.
In response to these potentially dangerous conditions, the New York City Department of Parks has decided to close all beaches from Wednesday, August 20, to Thursday, August 21. Governor Hochul urges New Yorkers to prepare for dangerous conditions on beaches and coastal cities.
Starting Tuesday, August 19, all Atlantic Ocean beaches will be under high surf advisory from Wednesday to Thursday. Lifeguards will be stationed along the coast of New York City, and the Parks Enforcement Patrol will be stationed to ensure compliance with beach closure orders.
Mayor Eric Adams is working with all city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe. New Yorkers are urged to take precautions and sign up for NotifyNYC to receive additional updates.
For the latest official forecast for Hurricane Erin, visit the National Hurricane Center. The Farmers' Almanac has issued a "Chill, Snow, Repeat" winter forecast for New York City, but for now, the focus is on preparing for the approaching hurricane.
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