When you think you’re back in the water, it turns out it’s not time to relax just yet!
New York City enjoyed what seemed like ideal beach weather on Friday, with temperatures comfortably in the low ’80s and plenty of sunshine. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Erin has led to many city beaches being closed for safety reasons.
Popular spots like Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, and Manhattan Beach have shut down due to dangerously large waves and strong riptides, which pose risks to swimmers and surfers alike. Meanwhile, state-operated beaches on Long Island also remain closed for swimming.
Cody Braud, a meteorologist with Fox Weather, suggested that the storm has dampened New Yorkers’ hopes for a beach outing this weekend.
“Saturday will be sunny, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to hit the beach,” Braud warned. “If you’re planning to go, just be careful. Don’t underestimate the water.”
Beachgoers should be alert to high surf warnings, flags, and potential closures on Saturday as the risk of rip currents is expected to be “high.”
According to Braud, this threat should shift to a moderate level by Sunday.
“The conditions are still risky. After a storm, it can take a while for the water to stabilize,” he mentioned.
While many NYC beaches are completely off-limits, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a ban on swimming at national beaches on Long Island, citing “flooding and rough surf” at locations like Jones Beach and Robert Moses State Park.
“We need to keep beachgoers safe,” Gov. Hochul stated in a press release.
Gorge Gorman, Regional Director of State Parks, noted that officials would assess the conditions on Saturday morning to decide on any further closures.
“We’re monitoring wave heights, their strength, and the undercurrents,” Gorman explained.
On Saturday, New York City is set for sunny skies with temperatures in the low ’80s, while Sunday could see slightly warmer conditions in the high ’80s.
“It looks promising—clear skies on Saturday,” he added. “Summer has been quite warm so far, but there’s more to come.”
Coastal flood warnings affecting parts of New Jersey and Long Island are anticipated to be lifted on Saturday, according to Braud.
