[ad_1]
Today is the day that we could see some of the worst impacts of Hurricane Erin as it churns parallel to the U.S. East Coast. North Carolina’s barrier islands have already started seeing significant waves crashing into shoreline homes and hotels.
As always we have a complete forecast that you can constantly check out for updates, and below we’re tracking the latest on Erin’s impacts, preparations and closures, as well as other major weather headlines across the U.S. and beyond on this Wednesday, August 20.
(09:20 a.m. EDT) New Jersey Beaches Ban Swimming
From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett:
With Hurricane Erin creating high surf and dangerous rip currents, New Jersey has closed at least 16 beaches to swimming.
“We don’t want anyone in the ocean,” Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz told the Asbury Park Press.
The National Weather Service warned that large, breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected in the surf zone on Wednesday and 7 to 12 feet on Thursday.
“Conditions at all beaches will be very dangerous. Extreme caution is advised for any beachgoers,” the Weather Service said in a tweet.
(09:00 a.m. EDT) No Swimming At New York’s Southern Ocean Beaches; NYC Beaches Closed
From producer Carmen Molina:
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to suspend swimming at Long Island ocean beaches due to flooding and rough surf conditions and potential rip tides resulting from Hurricane Erin.
Swimming has been restricted at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks through Thursday.
“The peak hurricane season is approaching, and we have strong preparations in place to keep people safe,” Hochul said.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the parks commissioner, said Tuesday that city beaches would be closed for several days.
(08:29 a.m. EDT) Erin’s Waves Crash Into The Outer Banks
While hundreds of residents and tourists evacuated North Carolina’s Outerbanks on Tuesday, others got caught in some of the earliest flooding from Hurricane Erin. The combination of the storm and high tide sent waves surging into homes, hotels and Highway 12 – the only way in and out of those islands.
See it all in this video.
(08:15 a.m. EDT) Hurricane Erin Will Bring Impacts To Northeast, New England
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray:
While Hurricane Erin will stay well offshore, parts of southern New England and the Northeast will still feel impacts. Winds could gust as high as 30-50 mph at times along the southern parts of New England and the Northeast coast. High surf and coastal flooding will also be a concern as Erin’s steady onshore winds will push water toward the coast. High surf advisories are in place along the northern New Jersey coast, extending northeastward to Cape Cod. Waves higher than 10 feet are possible just offshore.
[ad_2]