Hurricane Erin is unleashing dangerous surf and rip currents along a vast stretch of the U.S. East Coast, prompting beach closures and ferry cancellations. While the storm is not making direct landfall, its powerful winds are generating massive waves and hazardous conditions from Florida to Maine.
Key Takeaways
- Dangerous surf and rip currents are affecting beaches from Florida to Maine.
- Several beaches have been closed, and ferry services have been canceled.
- Waves are expected to reach significant heights, with rip current risks remaining high.
Widespread Beach Closures and Service Disruptions
Massachusetts has seen numerous beach closures, including six along Cape Cod’s National Seashore and all South Shore beaches on Nantucket. Westport, including Horseneck Beach, has also closed its beaches to swimming. Governor Maura Healey’s office stated that many Department of Conservation and Recreation beaches are within the National Weather Service’s “High Risk” area for rip currents. Ferry services, including the MBTA’s Winthrop, Lynn, and Quincy routes, and Hy-Line’s Martha’s Vineyard and inter-island services, have been canceled. The Steamship Authority is waiving change and cancellation fees for affected travel.
Coastal Threats Across the Mid-Atlantic
Coastal towns in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware are bracing for potential flooding, heavy winds, and high surf. Lifeguard stands have been pulled back in areas like Rehoboth Beach as a precaution. Coastal Flood Warnings and Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for these regions, with officials urging preparation for flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
New Hampshire and Maine Brace for Impact
New Hampshire’s coastline is expected to experience rough surf and dangerous rip currents, with waves predicted to reach 6-8 feet or higher. Swimmers are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay near lifeguards. Minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tide. In Maine, meteorologists anticipate building rip currents and rising surf, leading to a high surf advisory and high rip current risk. Beachgoers are warned about the deceptive nature of large waves, which can come in sets, posing a significant danger.
Nationwide Impact and Safety Advice
Hurricane Erin’s large wind field is generating massive swells that will impact beaches along approximately 2,000 miles of the East Coast. Wave heights are expected to average 5-10 feet along the southern and mid-Atlantic coasts, with potential for 10-20 feet along the North Carolina to Virginia coast. Officials are urging extreme caution for swimmers, surfers, and boaters, as rip currents can be life-threatening. The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes that about 100 people are killed by rip currents annually. Those caught in a rip current are advised to stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to escape, rather than fighting the current directly.
Sources
- Ferries canceled, Massachusetts beaches closed due to high surf, dangerous currents, WCVB.
- Hurricane Erin threatens Maryland, Virginia, Delaware beaches with heavy winds, high surf, FOX 5 DC.
- Rough surf, rip currents expected in NH, WMUR.
- Hurricane Erin unleashing dangerous surf, rip currents along 2,000 miles of East Coast, AccuWeather.
- Hurricane Erin expected to bring high surf, rip currents to Maine, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
