Swimming Banned At NYC Beaches As Hurricane Erin Approaches

NEW YORK CITY — With Hurricane Erin spinning in the Atlantic and winds reaching 105 mph, New York City officials are closing all public beaches to swimmers as a precaution.

The Category 2 storm isn’t expected to make landfall, but as it moves up the East Coast, officials say it will bring dangerous surf and strong rip currents to the area.

The National Weather Service is predicting dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves between 9 and 13 feet, impacting beaches along the East Coast.

In New York City, the beach closure will officially take effect at 6 a.m. Wednesday and remain in place through Thursday.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our top priority. In consultation with our sister agencies and based on conditions projected by the National Weather Service, NYC Parks is prohibiting access to the water at all beaches on August 20 and 21,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water.”

There will be no lifeguards on duty, and red flags will be posted to indicate that beaches are closed. While the sand and boardwalks will remain open, officials are urging New Yorkers to stay out of the water. Lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers will be on-site to help enforce the closure.

“We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Eric Adams. "We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for NotifyNYC for additional updates."

Forecasters say Hurricane Erin’s intensity may vary in the coming days. While some expect it to maintain Category 2 strength, others warn it could intensify into a major Category 3 storm, with sustained winds exceeding 111 mph.