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Hurricane Erin’s outer bands are pounding Long Island’s South Shore, sending surging tides, towering waves and life-threatening rip currents Wednesday evening onto beaches already closed to swimming.
Officials warn of potential breaches along Fire Island as ocean waters batter dunes and coastal barriers.
Video from Robert Moses State Park, Field 5, shows waves crashing onto the sand and wind whipping across the shoreline, creating hazardous conditions. Authorities urge residents and visitors to stay off beaches and away from the water as surf heights continue to climb.
Swimming prohibited
Earlier reports noted that multiple South Shore beaches, including Smith Point, Cupsogue and Jones Beach, were closed as Erin churned offshore, bringing life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Though the storm’s center is expected to remain well off the coast, its outer edges are already producing dangerous surf and flooding conditions.
“An approaching new moon will lead to astronomical tide levels on top of increased surf and surge conditions Thursday into Friday,” the National Weather Service said in an advisory Wednesday.
Risks, warnings and advisories. Oh my!
News 12 Long Island meteorologist Rich Hoffman summarized the latest coastal alerts:
- High Surf Advisory: In effect until 8 p.m. Friday. Waves 12–16 feet through Thursday night, easing to 8–12 feet Friday.
- High Rip Current Risk: Through Friday evening. Life-threatening currents can sweep even strong swimmers offshore.
- Coastal Flood Warning: 5 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday. 2–2½ feet of inundation expected in vulnerable low-lying areas.
- Coastal Flood Advisories: 5 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Friday–2 a.m. Saturday. 1–2 feet of inundation likely.
- Impacts: Dune erosion, beach flooding, road closures, and property inundation possible in low-lying areas of southwest Suffolk and southern Nassau counties.
Suffolk County Parks officials continue monitoring the coastline for signs of erosion and potential breaches, particularly on Fire Island, where dunes serve as the first line of defense against ocean surges.
Forecasters warn that the most significant impacts could continue through Friday, as the storm’s winds and waves push along the Atlantic coast. Widespread dune erosion, beach flooding, road closures and localized property inundation are expected in susceptible areas.
Residents are being advised to secure loose items, avoid shoreline travel, and heed all local safety directives. Swimming, surfing, or any non-essential beach activity is strongly discouraged until authorities confirm conditions are safe.
More photos from Robert Moses
Top photo: Robert Moses Field 5 (GLI/Eric Micallef).
