Hurricane Erin Increases Jersey Shore Swimming Bans and Surf Hazard
Hurricane Erin’s powerful waves and Atlantic rip currents have shuttered many Jersey Shore beaches this week. Swimming is prohibited on 17 Shore beaches with red and double-red flags.
Though Hurricane Erin isn’t projected to hit New Jersey, its effects are felt. Forecasters predicted the storm’s 100-mph gusts may damage water hundreds of miles distant. Rough surf and rip currents prevent beachgoers from swimming, boogie boarding, or surfing for days.
High Waves and Strong Rip Currents
The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center advise beachgoers to avoid the ocean. Experts said Erin’s magnitude and twisting winds are pushing Atlantic seas, which will peak near New Jersey on Thursday. Breaking waves might reach 8 feet on Wednesday and 12 feet on Thursday.
In these conditions, rip currents will be fiercest, dragging swimmers away from land. Officials warn that even pro swimmers and surfers may get into trouble.
Swimming Is Prohibited
More than a dozen Shore communities restricted beaches to swimmers by Tuesday. Cape May’s closest approach raises double red lights signifying the greatest risk. Officially, Ocean Grove and nearby municipalities have closed their beaches for three days.
The shoreline has various restrictions:
At low tide, Asbury Park red flags prohibit swimming.
Swimming and boogie boarding are banned in Atlantic City until Thursday.
No Tuesday swimming at Avon-by-the-Sea.
Bay Head swimming is off until Thursday.
No swimming in Beach Haven due to red flags.
Tuesday no swimming in Belmar.
No swimming or boogieboarding in Brigantine.
Cape May has two red flags, meaning no swimming until Thursday and little surfing.
Harvey Cedars: Red flags, no swimming, little surfing.
No swimming, surfing, or boogie boarding at Island Beach State Park until Thursday.
Yellow flags indicate swimming safety in Long Branch.
On Tuesday, most Manasquan beaches were closed to swimming.
Ocean City: No swimming or boogieboarding.
Ocean Grove’s complete beach was shut late Wednesday to early Friday.
Nobody swims in Seaside Heights.
You can’t swim in the bay or ocean at Seaside Park.
Red flags at Spring Lake prohibit swimming.
No Tuesday or Wednesday swimming in Wildwood.
Lifeguards fear other municipalities will tighten weekday rules as things worsen.
Hurricane Erin’s Course and Impacts
Erin was a Category 2 hurricane Tuesday afternoon. Though weaker than yesterday, it was nonetheless significant. Hurricane-force 80-mile winds blow in the eye. Tropical storm-force winds exceed 200 miles.
The current forecast forecasts Erin will pass several hundred miles off New Jersey late Thursday. Despite not impacting land, the storm will bring 35–40 mph gusts to the Shore, threatening land and sea conditions. Erin’s strength will be monitored in the coming days. Some forecasts predict the cyclone will stay at Category 2, while others predict Category 3 with 111 mph gusts.
Officials Request Help
New Jersey beach guards and emergency workers advise people to observe rules. If you see a red or double-red flag, the ocean is deadly. Residents and tourists should enjoy the beach from the sand for safety. Authorities say rip currents can wash away strong swimmers in seconds and put lifeguards at risk when saving them.
Expectations for the Week
Jersey Shore weather will be treacherous until Friday AM. Even with clear sky, the ocean will have enormous waves, furious currents, and moving sandbars. Weekend restrictions may be eased, but weather and beach guards advise swimmers to be careful and watch the weather. The ocean is enticing but dangerous.
