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Hurricane Erin Brings Dangerous Surf and Flooding Risks to New Jersey and New York
20 Aug
Summary
- Hurricane Erin remains offshore but poses threats of high surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding
- All New York City beaches are closed, and swimming is suspended at Long Island ocean beaches
- Hazardous conditions expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with wave heights up to 20 feet
As of August 21st, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that Hurricane Erin, though staying offshore, will bring dangerous conditions to the coasts of New Jersey and New York this week. High rip current risk, high surf advisory, and coastal flood watch remain in effect through Friday evening, and officials are urging residents to stay out of the water and use caution along the shore.
All New York City beaches are currently closed for swimming, and Governor Kathy Hochul has suspended swimming at all Long Island ocean beaches due to the flooding risks and rough surf. Erin, a Category 2 storm in the Atlantic, is not expected to make landfall in the region but will churn up hazardous conditions along the shorelines. The most significant threats include waves climbing as high as 15 to 20 feet, powerful rip currents, and minor coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
Hazardous conditions are expected to worsen as the week continues, with the most dangerous conditions arriving on Thursday and Friday. Rip current advisories were issued for New York and New Jersey beginning Tuesday and will remain in place through Friday. Conditions are likely to improve over the weekend, but officials caution that lingering rip currents may remain a risk even after advisories expire.
