No Swimming At Jones Beach As Erin Pulls Closer To Long Island

WANTAGH, NY — Hurricane Erin, although forecast to pass well away from Long Island, is still expected to cause problems along the South Shore.

Governor Hochul announced Jones Beach State Park will be closed to swimming through Thursday. This follows the Town of Hempstead also halting swimming at all town beaches until Friday.

The restrictions at Jones Beach will be reevaluated later in the week.

Long Island's South Shore is in a high risk for "life-threatening" rip currents through Friday evening, the National Weather Service said.

Additionally, a high surf advisory is in effect for large breaking waves up to 16 feet on Thursday.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said: “Even if the local weather is sunny and warm, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause dangerous and unpredictable conditions at our swimming beaches. Don’t take chances. Please follow the direction of our lifeguards and park staff, who are trained to recognize dangerous conditions such as rip tides that may go unnoticed.”

In preparation for Erin, Jones Beach State Park maintenance staff have constructed a temporary wall of sand from the East Bathhouse through the Central Mall to the West Bathhouse to prevent flooding of main facilities, the governor said.

"I urge everyone to remain vigilant as the storm approaches," Hochul said.