New England, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, while not expected to make landfall in the U.S., is predicted to cause dangerous beach conditions, gusty winds, and high surf along New England’s coast. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands, and a High Surf Advisory is issued for parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. Residents are cautioned to avoid entering the water and to monitor local advisories for beach closures and ferry service interruptions.
Boston — Hurricane Erin will remain well offshore but is expected to impact New England over the next several days with gusty winds, high surf, and dangerous beach conditions, officials say. A combination of strong coastal gusts and a significant ocean swell has prompted advisories, beach closures, and cancellations of some ferry services across the region.
What is happening now
Hurricane Erin is not forecast to make landfall in the United States, but its track and size are generating hazardous marine and coastal conditions for New England. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph in exposed southeastern coastal areas, with gusts in Boston likely near 30 mph. A High Surf Advisory covers coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine through Saturday evening.
Immediate impacts
Large breaking waves of more than 10 feet are expected along many beaches, with some locations possibly seeing waves as high as 20 feet. These conditions create a very high risk of dangerous rip currents and strong shorebreaks. Several beaches in Massachusetts have already closed to swimming, and local officials in areas such as Scituate Harbor are monitoring erosion and beach impacts. Ferry operators in southern New England have canceled certain trips scheduled for Thursday and Friday due to unsafe sea conditions, and additional service disruptions may occur if conditions worsen.
Public safety guidance
Residents and visitors are urged to stay out of the water and avoid shoreline activities in areas under high surf advisories because of the elevated risk of rip currents and dangerous waves. Those living in low-lying coastal areas should monitor local notices about potential erosion and localized impacts, and ferry customers should confirm service status before travel.
Weather details for the next few days
- Thursday: Clouds will cover much of the region for much of the day, with filtered sunshine arriving later. Coastal highs will be in the upper 60s; inland highs in the low 70s. Winds will strengthen late in the day into the evening.
- Friday: A mix of sun and clouds is expected, with stronger winds continuing. Temperatures should rise into the mid-to-upper 70s.
- Saturday–Sunday: Summer weather returns, with highs in the low to mid 80s and increased humidity. Conditions are expected to be calmer as the storm’s immediate influence decreases.
- Monday: A few storms may be possible, with highs in the upper 70s.
Regional and broader impacts
While New England is facing high surf and gusty conditions, significant inland flooding threats from Erin are expected mainly farther south in states such as Virginia and North Carolina. The central storm is forecast to remain offshore of New England, diminishing the likelihood of direct landfall in the region. The National Hurricane Center noted the storm had previously reached Category 5 intensity before weakening to Category 2; current forecasts show continued weakening as it moves northward.
Monitoring and response
State and local authorities are monitoring the situation. Transportation operators, including regional ferry services, are adjusting or cancelling sailings when seas are judged unsafe. Public officials have encouraged coastal residents and visitors to follow local advisories, steer clear of closed beaches, and prepare for temporary disruptions to marine and shoreline activities.
Outlook
The most hazardous marine and coastal effects are expected to persist through Friday and into Saturday evening in some locations. By the weekend, winds and surf are expected to subside sufficiently for more typical summer conditions to return, although localized impacts such as beach erosion may remain visible and recovery could take longer in battered shoreline areas.
Key takeaways
- Hurricane Erin will stay offshore but will produce dangerous surf and gusty winds along New England coasts.
- A Wind Advisory and High Surf Advisories are in effect through Friday and into Saturday evening for parts of the region.
- Beach closures and ferry cancellations are already in effect in some areas; more disruptions are possible.
- Residents should avoid entering the water, heed closures and advisories, and monitor local service updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hurricane Erin expected to make landfall in New England?
No. Forecasts indicate the storm will remain offshore, but its track and size will produce hazardous coastal conditions across New England.
What advisories are in effect?
A Wind Advisory covers Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon, and a High Surf Advisory is in effect along the coasts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine through Saturday evening.
How high will waves get?
Large breaking waves more than 10 feet are likely along many shores, with isolated areas possibly seeing waves up to 20 feet.
Are beaches and ferries affected?
Several beaches have closed to swimming due to rough surf. Some ferry operators have canceled trips for Thursday and Friday; additional cancellations are possible if unsafe sea conditions continue.
When will summer weather return?
Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, with highs in the low to mid 80s and increased humidity on Saturday and Sunday.
What should I do to stay safe?
Avoid entering the water, obey beach closures and advisories, secure loose outdoor items if you are in exposed coastal locations, and check transport schedules before travel.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisories | Wind Advisory for Cape Cod & Islands (Thu evening–Fri afternoon); High Surf Advisory for MA, RI, ME coasts (through Sat evening) |
| Expected wind gusts | Up to 50 mph in exposed coastal areas; Boston gusts near 30 mph |
| Surf heights | Commonly over 10 feet; isolated spots up to 20 feet |
| Beach status | Several Massachusetts beaches closed to swimming; check local updates for reopenings |
| Ferry service | Some trips canceled Thursday and Friday; confirm schedules before traveling |
| Temperatures | Coastal highs upper 60s (Thu), inland low 70s; mid‑upper 70s on Fri; low–mid 80s weekend |
| Safety actions | Avoid the water, heed closures and advisories, secure outdoor items, monitor local notices |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Flash Flood Warning in Fairfield County Due to Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Offshore Threatens New England Coast
Boston Prepares for Cooler Temperatures and Hurricane Erin
Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Flash Flood Alerts in Boston
New England Approaches Record Period Without a Hurricane
Boston Faces Rising Sea Level Threats by 2050
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Hurricane Erin Timeline and Impacts
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Cape Cod Times: Hurricane Erin Impacts
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- NBC Boston: Hurricane Erin Tracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- NBC Boston: Hurricane Erin Path Maps
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- NBC Boston: New England Update on 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.
