With Hurricane Erin making its way up the East Coast, all NYC beaches will be closed from Wednesday, August 20th to Friday, August 22nd. The decision comes from the NYC Parks Department in response to potential hazardous conditions predicted to reach beaches along the East Coast.
Mayor Eric Adams originally said earlier this week:
We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe…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 [now Friday]. We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for NotifyNYC for additional updates.
According to the National Weather Service, large breaking waves of up to 13 feet and life-threatening rip currents are expected to wreak havoc on NYC shores. As of Tuesday, August 19th, Governor Kathy Hochul declared that all Atlantic Ocean beaches will be under a High Surf Advisory from Wednesday through Thursday.
Although water access on NYC beaches will be prohibited, the sand will remain open. Lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol will be stationed along the coast to ensure New Yorkers adhere to the water closures.
“As Hurricane Erin passes the East Coast, I am asking all New Yorkers to prepare for the possibility of dangerous conditions along our beaches and coastal cities and towns,” notes Governor Hochul. “New Yorkers are no strangers to hurricanes — that is why I’m urging those living in areas that may be impacted to stay safe and exercise caution until the hurricane tapers off later this week.”
Rest assured Hurricane Erin is not expected to make a direct landfall in New York State. Hurricane Erin is forecasted to track north through Wednesday and eventually turn north-eastward between the US East Coast and Bermuda where it will emerge as a “large and powerful hurricane” from the middle to the end of the week. You can track Hurricane Erin via the the latest official forecast from the National Hurricane Center.