No Swimming At Rhode Island State Beaches As Hurricane Erin Rages

Swimming was forbidden at Rhode Island state beaches as Hurricane Erin raged off the Atlantic coast.

"Until further notice swimming is not allowed at state beaches," the state announced in an alert.

"This storm has produced powerful waves that break larger and farther onshore," the alert said. "Do not stand on rocky coastal areas and stay far away from areas where waves might splash over. Waves can easily sweep a person into the water from what seems like a safe viewing area. Please use caution along shoreline areas until the hazardous conditions pass."

Middletown and Newport also shut down beaches, with Middletown announcing the closure of Second and Third beaches and the city of Newport deciding to close Easton Beach.

Middletown officials said the move to close Second and Third Beaches was "made in anticipation of heavy surf and rip currents from Hurricane Erin."

'"Everyone on hand agreed the first priority was to keep everyone safe and out of the water, where seven foot swells were pounding the shoreline much of the day from the building Atlantic storm," Middletown's News You Can Use said of the consensus at a meeting held at the main beach building, noting that "Sachuest Point Road will be closed Thursday and Friday between Purgatory Road and Hanging Rocks Road" to limit access to the beaches."

The city of Newport announced the closure in a Facebook post Wednesday night.

"With Hurricane Erin expected to churn up dangerous rip currents and heavy surf, Easton's Beach will be closed beginning tonight at 9 pm and swimming will be off-limits until the storm passes and conditions improve," the post said.

The Rhode Island Fast Ferry canceled service through Friday, as did Seastreak between Nantucket and New Bedford.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for Rhode Island through Saturday night, warning of "Large breaking waves of 5 to 19 feet in the surf zone" and "Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion."

See also:

• Newport Shuts Down Easton Beach Due To Hurricane Erin
• Middletown Shuts Down Beaches Due To Hurricane Erin
• 'Life-Threatening Rip Currents' Along Rhode Island Beaches: State
• Warning: Rhode Island High Surf Advisory Issued
• Hurricane Erin To Wreak Dangerous Waves, Rip Currents Along RI Coastline: See Latest Forecast