Thunderstorms, High Winds, Flooding, Dangerous Surf: Hurricane Erin Heads Toward NYC

NEW YORK CITY — The second half of the week will be a choppy one, as Hurricane Erin is heading north towards New York City this week, causing dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding and high winds, forecasters warned Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a separate system bringing showers and thunderstorms is heading east towards the Big Apple Wednesday, forecasters from the National Weather Service said, bringing up to a quarter of an inch of rain, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

However, depending on how the thunderstorm develops, precipitation totals could be one inch or higher, the New York City Department of Emergency Management said.

"Significant coastal hazards" are anticipated starting Wednesday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service, and there is a high surf advisory and high risk of rip currents in effect for NYC and Long Island ocean shorelines until 8 p.m. Friday due to Hurricane Erin.

A Coastal Flood Watch is also in effect for southern Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island for Thursday evening’s high tide, with between one and two feet of flooding in vulnerable areas possible.

As Erin passes well southeast of NYC, it will still drive winds locally. Strong northwest winds are expected to gust 25–35 mph Thursday into Friday morning, with isolated gusts near 40 mph in coastal areas, the NYC Department of Emergency Management said.

"It is a category two hurricane that is looking to be out at sea for the most part, but we may see some impact on our coastal areas, particularly our beaches," Mayor Eric Adams said in a video address.

"So Wednesday and Thursday, no swimming, because this can cause rough riptides and highways, and we want you to be safe. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, it is important the beaches are closed Wednesday and Thursday."

Here is the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Wednesday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

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