Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a warning to New Yorkers as Hurricane Erin is expected to bring high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion along parts of the East Coast. While the hurricane is not projected to make direct landfall in New York State, its size and strength are forecasted to affect coastal areas.
A High Surf Advisory is in effect from Wednesday through Thursday for all Atlantic Ocean beaches and may be extended further. Ocean seas are predicted to rise between 11 and 15 feet. Localized minor coastal flooding could occur during high tides from Wednesday night into Friday morning. The risk of dangerous surf and rip currents at Atlantic Ocean beaches will increase starting Tuesday night and continue through Friday morning before easing over the weekend. Widespread dune erosion is also likely between Thursday night and Friday morning.
“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,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Erin will move north through Wednesday before turning northeastward between the US East Coast and Bermuda as a large hurricane later in the week. Residents can monitor official updates from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, stated: “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. Make a plan, monitor your local forecast and stay safe.”
For up-to-date weather alerts or forecasts, residents can visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov/.
Officials recommend several safety steps for those living near affected areas: develop a household disaster plan with emergency contacts; designate an emergency meeting location; learn about local storm surge history; know evacuation plans; prepare supplies such as food, water, radios, batteries, medicines, important documents stored safely; review insurance coverage; secure loose objects outdoors; keep trees trimmed; determine boat relocation plans if needed; stay informed through NOAA Weather Radio or local broadcasts; know how to turn off utilities at home.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates efforts across prevention, protection, response, recovery from disasters or emergencies statewide. More information can be found on their Facebook page or by following @NYSDHSES on X or visiting https://dhses.ny.gov/.
Residents can receive real-time emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111 or learning more at https://dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
