Hurricane Erin Impacts New Jersey, NYC, and Long Island: First Alert Weather Coverage

Hurricane Erin's Coastal Impact

• 🌀 Hurricane Erin is causing significant impacts along the East Coast, with nearly 40 million people under flood alerts.
• 🌊 High surf and dangerous rip currents are major concerns, with waves expected to reach up to 12 feet near the shore in some areas.
• ⚠️ Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey due to the storm's effects.

Storm Track and Weakening

• 🛰️ Hurricane Erin is located offshore and is currently heading northeast, having already made its closest pass to the affected areas.
• 📉 The storm is in the process of weakening, no longer strengthening, and is moving quickly at approximately 20 miles per hour.
• 💨 While weakening, Erin is still producing gusty winds and large waves that are expected to linger into the next day.

Conditions on Long Island

• 🏄 Spectacular and powerful waves are hitting Long Beach, attracting many surfers despite official beach closures.
• ⚠️ Lifeguards are warning of extreme danger due to rough conditions and powerful rip currents, advising against swimming.
• 🌊 Former surfer Brian estimates waves were double overhead, approximately 7 feet, and notes the presence of dangerous cross-currents and a jetty.
• 👨‍🏫 Elliot Zuckerman of Surf to Live Surf School emphasizes that the conditions are too dangerous for amateurs and even experienced surfers should exercise extreme caution.

Jersey Shore Conditions

• 🏖️ Manasquan and other Jersey Shore beaches are experiencing massive waves and strong winds, with swimming bans in effect.
• 🌊 Waves are estimated to be between 7 to 9 feet high, crashing onto beaches and inlets, with potential for coastal flooding onto streets after high tide.
• 🚗 Business owners are taking precautions, moving vehicles to higher ground, and recalling the severe impacts of Superstorm Sandy.
• 🚫 Lifeguard patrols are actively ensuring people stay off the beaches and out of the dangerous water.

Dune Erosion and Coastal Flooding

• 🏘️ In Southampton, Long Island, dune erosion and coastal flooding on beach roads are already occurring.
• ⚓ Commercial fishing boats have come ashore, and vessels are being secured as a precaution against the storm's fury.
• ⚠️ A state of emergency in Southampton allows for special actions to protect public safety, with concerns about erosion and high tides.
• 🏖️ Restaurants along beach roads have closed, and tourists hoping for beach activities are disappointed by the conditions.