Hurricane Erin is making its way up the Atlantic coast, and while it is not expected to make landfall in the New York City area, the National Weather Service is urging the public to stay out of the water.

There is currently a high rip current risk level at city beaches, meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely, with conditions expected to linger through Friday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Hurricane Erin is making its way up the Atlantic coast, and while it is not expected to make landfall in the New York City area, the National Weather Service is urging the public to stay out of the water
  • Although Erin is forecasted to track well off the coast of New York and New Jersey, the storm is expected to generate hazardous conditions in the water Tuesday through Friday
  • The greatest concerns for the Coast Guard are high surf conditions, with waves up to 15 feet, and high risk of rip currents along area beaches

A High Surf Advisory is in effect Wednesday through Thursday. The U.S. Coast Guard is urging boaters and beachgoers to be cautious.

Although Erin is forecasted to track well off the coast of New York and New Jersey, the storm is expected to generate hazardous conditions in the water Tuesday through Friday. 

The greatest concerns for the Coast Guard are high surf conditions, with waves up to 15 feet, and high risk of rip currents along area beaches.

The National Weather Service says those rip currents will increase through Thursday night into Friday morning. 

At Rockaway Park Tuesday, beachgoers appeared to be heeding the warnings to stay out of the water. NY1 spoke with some longtime Rockaway residents who understand the dangers rip currents can pose. 

“They say it’s a strong rip tide. I haven’t seen a hurricane like this in a while, coming along the border,” resident Brendan Raftery said. 

“Yesterday I went in the water, and you could see the waves criss-crossing diagonally, so it’s really dangerous to go in the water around this type of time,” resident Robert Keith added. “You have to watch your kids, your dogs, you have to watch — yes, it’s very dangerous. You can get caught in a rip tide in the blink of an eye.” 

If you are seeing rip current conditions, it’s best to look for signs: sandy water or white foam. Swim with a buddy, swim near a lifeguard, and if you’re caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore, and when in doubt, don’t go out. 

The National Weather Service is also advising that a 9- to 13-foot breaking surge can cause beach damage, erosion, flooding, and damage to dunes, especially during high tide.

In a statement Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to “prepare for the possibility of dangerous conditions along our beaches and coastal cities and towns.” 

“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,” she added.