Massachusetts, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm with winds up to 110 mph, is currently generating dangerous surf and rip currents along the Massachusetts coast. A High Surf Advisory is in effect as certain communities, including Nantucket and Scituate, have closed their beaches in response to the dangerous conditions. Residents are warned to avoid ocean activities as strong wind gusts and potential minor coastal flooding are expected throughout the weekend. While the storm is forecasted to pass well offshore, its effects will linger, impacting beach conditions significantly.
Boston — A powerful hurricane churning in the Atlantic is already creating dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the Massachusetts coast, prompting advisories, beach closures and warnings for swimmers and coastal residents.
Immediate impact: high surf, strong rip currents, and beach closures
Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph and a central pressure of 945 mb, is producing large, hazardous waves and a high risk of rip currents along south-facing Massachusetts beaches. A High Surf Advisory is in effect through Saturday for south-facing shores, and multiple communities, including Nantucket and Scituate, have closed beaches due to the surf and wind threat.
Where the storm is and its expected path
As of Thursday morning, Erin was centered about 205 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Forecasts indicate the storm will track well offshore of southern New England, passing roughly 350 miles from Cape Cod and the Islands and moving out to sea by the weekend. The storm’s wind field is expected to expand as it moves north, which could increase wind strength across coastal areas even as the storm itself stays offshore.
Coastal and beach conditions
- Wave heights: 8 to 13 feet expected along beaches including Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the South Coast of Massachusetts.
- Rip current risk: High risk statewide for south-facing beaches; swimming is strongly discouraged.
- Minor coastal flooding: Possible at high tides as the storm approaches, with the greatest risk at low-lying shorelines and tide-prone areas.
- Wind gusts: 30 to 50 mph are possible in Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts from late Thursday into Friday.
- Beach erosion: Elevated wave action increases the potential for beach erosion along exposed shorelines.
Public safety guidance
Because of the combination of large waves, strong currents and gusty onshore winds, officials urge people to avoid ocean activities, including swimming, wading and boating in affected areas. Beach closures are in effect in several communities; people should respect local closures and barricades and steer clear of oceanfront and jetty areas where waves can be unpredictable.
Short-term forecast and weekend outlook
While Erin will remain offshore and is expected to move away by the weekend, several related effects will continue:
- South-facing Massachusetts beaches: High Surf Advisory through Saturday with dangerous surf and rip currents.
- Late Thursday to Friday: Strongest wind gusts and peak wave action for Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.
- Weekend: Mostly dry and comfortable conditions are expected across the eastern coastline, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 80s, though humidity levels will rise.
- Northern New England: Showers and non-severe thunderstorms are possible on Sunday.
- Early next week: A separate weather system may bring scattered showers early in the week, followed by generally drier conditions and temperatures in the 70s.
Broader storm pattern and other systems
Two additional features are influencing local weather: a tropical depression developing near the Leeward Islands that is not expected to affect southern New England, and a second low-pressure area moving northeast along the U.S. coast that is helping steer moisture and heavier rain away from Massachusetts. These steering patterns are a key reason Erin is forecast to remain offshore of southern New England.
What coastal residents should prepare for
Residents in low-lying coastal neighborhoods should prepare for minor tidal flooding during high tide cycles and secure loose outdoor items against gusty winds. People who use small boats, docks or marinas should take precautions and avoid ocean travel while the advisory is in effect.
Summary
Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 storm offshore that is creating dangerous surf, high rip current risk, and strong gusty winds along south-facing Massachusetts beaches through Saturday. The storm is expected to pass well offshore and move out to sea by the weekend, but surf and hazardous currents will remain a threat until seas subside. Beachgoers and coastal residents should follow local closures and advisories and avoid ocean activities until conditions improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Massachusetts beaches are most at risk?
A: South-facing beaches, including areas of Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and the South Coast of Massachusetts, are most at risk for large waves and dangerous rip currents. Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts can expect stronger winds and higher seas.
Q: How high will the waves be?
A: Waves are expected to reach between 8 and 13 feet along exposed south-facing beaches.
Q: Is swimming safe?
A: No. There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents and strong surf. Swimming, wading and ocean-based recreation are strongly discouraged while advisories and closures remain in effect.
Q: Will Hurricane Erin make landfall in Massachusetts?
A: No. Erin is forecast to remain well offshore, passing about 350 miles from Cape Cod and the Islands and moving out to sea by the weekend. The primary local impacts are surf, rip currents, gusty winds and minor coastal flooding at high tide.
Q: What should I do if I live near the coast?
A: Monitor local advisories, avoid ocean activities, secure loose outdoor items, and be prepared for minor tidal flooding at high tides. Follow posted beach closures and avoid jetties, low-lying roads, and beachfront areas during peak waves.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm strength | Category 2; winds near 110 mph; pressure 945 mb |
| Location (Thu morning) | About 205 miles ESE of Cape Hatteras, NC |
| Distance from Cape Cod | Forecast to pass ~350 miles offshore of Cape Cod and the Islands |
| Advisory | High Surf Advisory for south-facing Massachusetts beaches through Saturday |
| Expected waves | 8 to 13 feet on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and South Coast beaches |
| Rip current risk | High — swimming strongly discouraged |
| Wind gusts | 30–50 mph expected in Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts Thu night–Fri |
| Coastal flooding | Minor flooding possible during high tides |
| Beach closures | Multiple communities, including Nantucket and Scituate, have closed beaches |
| Weekend outlook | Mostly dry, comfortable; eastern coast highs in low–mid 80s; humidity increasing |
| Next week | Scattered showers early in the week, then drier with temps in the 70s |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- CBS News
- Cape Cod Times
- NBC News
- Turn to 10
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Google News: 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.
