New York City beaches will be closed for swimming on Wednesday and Thursday as Hurricane Erin is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to much of the East Coast. Mayor Eric Adams announced swimming is prohibited at all city beaches on August 20 and August 21; the sand remains open. The National Weather Service predicts waves could reach between 9 and 13 feet on Thursday, with the highest waves expected in the Rockaways. Several beaches along the Jersey Shore and on Long Island have also banned swimming.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Erin is expected to track north through Wednesday and then turn northeastward between the East Coast and Bermuda as a large and powerful hurricane through Friday.
The hurricane won’t directly hit the New York City area, but is expected to bring large breaking waves, dangerous rip currents, and beach erosion.
“We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe,” Adams said.
“This storm is expected to create dangerous rip currents and large waves, and so we are closing all city beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday. We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for NotifyNYC for additional updates.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced swimming would be restricted at Jones Beach and Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks through Thursday, when conditions will be reevaluated. Swimming is allowed at Sunken Meadow and Wildwood State Parks on the Long Island Sound, which are not affected by the storm.
“The peak hurricane season is approaching, and we have strong preparations in place to keep people safe,” Hochul said. “With Hurricane Erin causing dangerous surf conditions along our beaches on Long Island, we are taking proactive steps to protect New Yorkers by restricting swimming at state beaches. I urge everyone to remain vigilant as the storm approaches.”
Rip currents are the leading cause of rescues for people in the surf. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second, but can be as high as 8 feet per second, faster than an Olympic swimmer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
According to the New York Times, one swimmer died and four others were saved from the ocean in Seaside Heights after they were caught in a rip current on August 11. A 13-year-old girl drowned in Belmar last week after lifeguards had left for the day.
Get Insider Updates with Our Newsletter!
Source link
