Hurricane Erin is already creating harmful seashore situations in New Jersey and Delaware on Tuesday, with the worst of the waves and rip currents not anticipated till Thursday.
From Level Nice to Rehoboth Seaside, pink flags have been spoiling one of many final seashore days earlier than college begins, with waves inflicting seashore erosion in locations like Atlantic Metropolis.
Thursday is the day that Erin is predicted to have its closest method with the middle of the hurricane passing between 300 and 500 miles off the coast of New Jersey and Delaware.
Massive swells out on the ocean are anticipated in addition to excessive surf with life-threatening rip currents on the seashore for the tip of the week and into the weekend.
The Nationwide Climate Service issued a Excessive Rip Present Danger via Wednesday evening and a Excessive Surf Advisory from 6 a.m. Wednesday via 6 a.m. Friday for the coastal areas of Cape Might, Ocean and Atlantic counties in New Jersey.
In keeping with the Nationwide Climate Service, there might be life threatening rip currents in addition to giant breaking waves of six to 9 ft alongside the Jersey Shore. There can even be seashore erosion and attainable coastal flooding.
In a publish on X, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy warned folks to remain out of the water at Jersey Shore seashores this week. He additionally held a Tuesday morning press convention on the rip present danger which you’ll be able to watch within the video embedded on high of this text.
The impacts of Hurricane Erin might be felt throughout the Jersey Shore over the subsequent a number of days, producing harmful rip currents and excessive waves.
As situations worsen, we urge residents and guests to keep away from wading and swimming within the ocean, particularly when lifeguards are off…
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 18, 2025
Atlantic County officers additionally put out a press release urging beachgoers to heed warnings and solely swim when their is a lifeguard current.
NBC10’s Ted Greenberg was on the seashore in Atlantic Metropolis on Tuesday, the place waves of 5 to eight ft have been already taking on a lot of the seashore space.
At its worst, waves are anticipated to succeed in as much as 12 ft.
Nevertheless, forecasters are assured that Erin will flip northeast and away from the jap U.S.
In Rehoboth Seaside, the rip currents have been making for a awful seashore day, with the ocean being closed to swimmers. NBC10’s Tim Furlong has the story.
Flip, Float and Observe rip tide recommendation
Rip currents are a serious concern at native seashores this week.
Authorities are repeating their plea for folks to remain out of the ocean when lifeguards aren’t on obligation.
“It’s definitely scary out there,” Barnegat Mild Seaside Patrol lifeguard Amy Salamy mentioned. “When you go under, you think you’re gonna be fine, you come up with just white water.”
From far off of the Jersey coast line, Hurricane Erin is predicted to gas bigger waves and much more harmful and probably lethal rip at the moment because the week goes on.
“This is not safe conditions for anybody to be in the water right now,” Barnegat Mild Seaside Patrol Lt. Bob Selfridge warned.
“You flip on your back, which lifeguard see as like a sign of distress,” Barnegat Mild Seaside Patrol lifeguard Hudson Riggs mentioned. “You comply with the rip out. You do not attempt to battle it. You preserve your power, and also you float. Look forward to any individual to come back choose you up or till you drift out.”
Whatever the technique, authorities say in case you get caught in a rip present, it’s vital to not panic.
This renewed recommendation comes after two drownings occurred final week: A 13-year-old died Friday, Aug. 15 simply days after a 31-year-old man from Trenton misplaced his life.
Townsends Inlet Bridge closed
The bridge connecting two common Jersey Shore cities has been shut down due to tidal flooding, in keeping with police officers.
The Townsends Inlet Bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle Metropolis, New Jersey, is closed to drivers on Monday, Aug. 18.
No phrase but on when the bridge is predicted to reopen.
Affect on Jersey Shore seashores
Town of Wildwood issued a no swimming advisory at seashores on Monday because of the rip present danger. Whereas the seashore is open and officers are at the moment permitting folks to place their ft within the water or “ankle deep,” restrictions are in place.
Different Jersey Shore cities placing out the pink flags to date embody Brigantine, Level Nice, Cape Might, Longport, Margate, Strathmere (Higher Township) and Ventnor Metropolis.
Officers in Ocean Metropolis, New Jersey, additionally informed NBC10 that whereas they’re permitting folks to swim of their seashores for now, restrictions might be in place.
“Never swim or go on the beach without a lifeguard ever,” Capt. Paul Boardman, of the Ocean Metropolis Seaside Patrol, mentioned. “But when you come down this week, definitely talk to the lifeguard on the stand ask them what type of restrictions there are.”
Affect on Delaware seashores
In Rehoboth Seaside, the rip currents have been making for a awful seashore day as effectively on Tuesday.
Rip currents and waves have been tough, with lifeguard towers blocking seashore entrances to maintain folks away from the water.
Rain was additionally impacting the seashore space, regardless of different elements of Delaware not having any precipitation.
Regardless of the dangerous climate, many on the seashore city have been staying optimistic and having fun with the summer time day.
“A bad day at the beach is better than a good day at work,” mentioned Tracy, who was on the boardwalk in a hoodie.
