New England, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, a strong Category 2 hurricane, is passing offshore but causing dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast. Coastal New England faces life-threatening surf, strong rip currents, and potential beach erosion through the weekend. Authorities have issued advisories and cautions for beachgoers and mariners as wave heights may reach up to 13 feet. Precautions are advised, especially for residents and fishermen along the South Shore.
Boston
Hurricane Erin offshore brings dangerous surf, rip currents to New England coast
Hurricane Erin, a strong Category 2 hurricane as of Wednesday evening, is passing offshore and will not make landfall, but it is producing dangerous conditions along the East Coast. The primary hazards for coastal New England over the next several days are life-threatening surf and strong rip currents, with high surf, potential beach erosion, and rising wind gusts expected to affect coastal communities.
Immediate impacts and warnings
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for south-facing beaches through 8 AM Saturday. A Small Craft Advisory remains active through Thursday morning and will transition to a Gale Watch from Thursday morning through Friday evening for local waters. High surf advisories also apply to the Cape, Islands, and the Rhode Island coast through Thursday evening, with wave heights predicted to reach as high as 13 feet in some spots. Boaters, mariners, and shore-based anglers are urged to closely monitor marine forecasts and take appropriate precautions.
Surf, erosion and beach safety
Officials are warning of dangerous rip currents along much of the East Coast, including Massachusetts coastal communities. High surf and large breaking waves increase the risk of beach erosion, and some beaches have already closed due to rough surf. Double red flags may be displayed at some beaches, indicating that swimming is not advised and that water access should be avoided for public safety.
Winds, timing and local effects
Wind gusts are expected to strengthen late Thursday night into Friday, with gusts reaching 35–40 mph in exposed coastal areas. Boston may see gusts up to 25 mph. Mariners should expect deteriorating marine conditions as the Gale Watch takes effect Thursday morning. Shorelines and harbors should prepare for higher waves and stronger winds during this period.
Local readiness and impacts
Some coastal harbors are taking precautions as the storm passes offshore. In Scituate Harbor, most boats are expected to remain docked to ride out the event rather than heading to open water. Residents along the South Shore are monitoring the potential for flooding and erosion, and local authorities have closed certain beaches where surf is already hazardous.
Additional weather concerns
A flash flood warning is active in Fairfield County, Connecticut, until 2 AM Thursday, indicating localized heavy rain and rapid runoff that could affect low-lying areas and roads. Overall conditions are expected to feel more like early fall at present, with temperatures in the low 70s and partly sunny skies. By Friday, high temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-70s and approach 80 degrees with improving sunshine, and the weekend could see highs in the mid to upper 80s. Conditions are expected to dry out and become more seasonable through the weekend, although another chance of rain is possible late Sunday into early next week.
Public safety guidance
Authorities advise the public to stay informed with the latest local advisories and to follow posted beach warnings. Beachgoers should avoid entering the water where double red flags or other closure notices are posted. Boaters should avoid unnecessary trips, secure vessels, and check up-to-date marine forecasts before any offshore activity. Shore-based anglers should remain cautious of high waves and unstable footing near the water’s edge.
Outlook and context
Erin’s offshore track is the primary driver of coastal impacts rather than a direct landfall. The storm’s large wind field and ocean swell generation are causing elevated surf and hazardous currents well away from the hurricane’s center. While conditions are expected to improve through the weekend, coastal residents and mariners should plan for hazardous surf and gusty winds through Friday and heed local safety directives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Hurricane Erin expected to make landfall?
No. Erin is passing offshore and is not expected to make landfall, but it is producing dangerous surf and strong rip currents along the coast.
Which areas are most at risk for high surf and rip currents?
South-facing beaches of coastal New England, the Cape and Islands, and the Rhode Island coast are most at risk. Waves up to 13 feet are possible in some locations.
What advisories are currently in effect?
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for south-facing beaches through 8 AM Saturday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Thursday morning, transitioning to a Gale Watch from Thursday morning through Friday evening. A flash flood warning is active in Fairfield County, Connecticut until 2 AM Thursday.
What precautions should beachgoers and boaters take?
Avoid entering the water where posted closures or double red flags are shown, stay off vulnerable shorelines during high surf, secure or avoid operating small vessels, and follow local advisories and marine forecasts.
When will conditions improve?
Conditions are expected to gradually improve through the weekend with drier, more seasonable weather, though another chance of rain is possible late Sunday into early next week.
Quick reference: advisories and expected conditions
| Advisory / Warning | Areas Affected | Active Through | Expected Conditions | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Surf Advisory | South-facing beaches | 8 AM Saturday | Large breaking waves, beach erosion, strong rip currents | Avoid swimming; heed closures and double red flags |
| High Surf Advisory (Cape/Islands/R.I.) | Cape Cod, Islands, Rhode Island coast | Thursday evening | Waves up to 13 ft in exposed areas | Stay off jetties and exposed beaches; avoid shoreline fishing |
| Small Craft Advisory → Gale Watch | Local coastal waters | Small Craft through Thu AM; Gale Watch Thu AM–Fri PM | Choppy seas, increasing winds, hazardous for small vessels | Secure vessels; avoid nonessential trips; check forecasts |
| Wind Gusts | Coastal areas, including Boston | Late Thu night into Fri | Gusts 35–40 mph (coast); Boston up to 25 mph | Secure loose outdoor items; exercise caution near trees and power lines |
| Flash Flood Warning | Fairfield County, CT | Until 2 AM Thursday | Localized heavy rain and rapid runoff | Avoid flooded roads; move to higher ground if necessary |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Hurricane Erin Timeline and Path
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2023)
- CBS News: Beaches Closed Due to Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- WCVB: Hurricane Erin Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- NBC Boston: Hurricane Erin Tracker Map
- Google News: Hurricane Erin Massachusetts
- Boston Herald: Dangerous Rip Currents from Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
