Swimming is prohibited at Brooklyn’s beaches through at least Thursday as Hurricane Erin churns its way north over the Atlantic Ocean.
All New York City beaches are closed for swimming on Wed., Aug. 20 and Thursday, Aug. 21 as the storm creates life-threatening rip currents and large waves up and down the East Coast. The beaches are open to visitors, according to Mayor Eric Adams, but lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol will be on-site to enforce the closure.
“We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water,” said NYC Parks commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, in a statement.
As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Erin — now a Category 2 — was over the ocean near North Carolina. The storm is expected to move past New York City later this week, and while it won’t make landfall, it’s already impacting the city’s shores.
A high rip current risk advisory is in effect for Kings County and parts of Queens and Long Island until Friday night, according to the National Weather Service, which warned of “life-threatening” rip currents in the area.
At least four people have drowned at New York City beaches this summer. Two died at Brooklyn beaches this month alone.
The NWS also issued an advisory for high surf conditions through Friday night, with waves reaching heights of up to 13 feet on Thursday. The risk of life-threatening surf conditions and rip currents will increase through Thursday night, per the NWS, then “gradually decrease” heading into the weekend.
Moderate coastal flooding is also possible on Thursday evening, and local beaches are likely to see significant flooding and erosion.
Adams encouraged New Yorkers to sign up for NotifyNYC to receive storm and beach-related updates.
“The Atlantic’s first hurricane of the season is here, and while Erin won’t make direct landfall in New York, it’s important that New Yorkers are aware that coastal areas could experience dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the New York State emergency services division. “Make a plan, monitor your local forecast and stay safe.”
