New England, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Following Hurricane Erin’s transition into a post-tropical cyclone, New England’s coastline faces hazardous surf conditions and strong winds. High surf advisories and rip current warnings are in effect, prompting beach closures and travel disruptions, especially in Massachusetts. Authorities urge the public to avoid swimming and heed safety warnings as the storm continues to affect local marine conditions.
Boston — Dangerous surf and strong coastal winds continue to affect the New England coastline after Hurricane Erin weakened and moved far offshore, prompting high surf advisories and rip current warnings that will remain in effect through the weekend.
What happened
Erin has lost tropical status and moved well out to sea, but its large circulation and residual energy are driving dangerous waves and widespread rip current threats along the entire New England coast. High surf advisories are active for Massachusetts coastal counties including Dukes, Nantucket and Southern Plymouth through Saturday evening, and the rip current risk is expected to persist through Sunday. The heaviest wave action is likely along east-facing shorelines.
Immediate impacts
Coastal communities and marine interests reported strong winds and large waves. Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard experienced particularly strong conditions while the system moved northeast. Nantucket Airport recorded wind gusts up to 45 mph overnight into Friday, and ferry services operated by the regional transit authority from Boston to several nearby ports, including Lynn, Quincy and Winthrop, were canceled. Several beaches within Cape Cod’s National Seashore were closed to swimmers and recreational use because of the hazardous surf.
Marine and shoreline hazards
Authorities issued warnings about dangerous swimming conditions, urging beachgoers to avoid entering the water due to powerful rip currents and unpredictable waves. Coastal flood warnings were posted for locations extending through the Mid-Atlantic and into New England. Local reports showed dune erosion and minor roadway flooding in some areas, and in the Mid-Atlantic, more than 50 people required rescue from floodwaters in one community.
Broader coastal effects
Along the Eastern Seaboard, impacts also included dune breaches and minor flooding in parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which affected stretches of Highway 12. Some New York City beaches were closed to swimmers, though a number of experienced surfers used the large waves at Rockaway Beach. Despite the storm’s large size—roughly twice the size of a typical hurricane—destruction remained limited because the system tracked mostly offshore.
Meteorological status and forecast
The system was reported to have weakened into a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds near 90 mph and was located about 375 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the time of the report. Meteorologists emphasize that the storm is gradually losing strength as it moves into cooler waters.
A warm, humid weekend is expected onshore with daytime highs reaching the 80s and increased stickiness. Many areas will see abundant sunshine through early Sunday, but clouds will increase Sunday afternoon as a cold front approaches from the west, raising the chance for isolated or hit-or-miss showers and thunderstorms during the coming week. Forecasts show conditions turning more comfortable and drier by Tuesday, with that trend likely to last into the week leading up to the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Transportation and public services
Regional ferry cancellations disrupted commuter and visitor travel. Local transportation agencies adjusted schedules and services in response to hazardous marine conditions. Beach closures along portions of Cape Cod and other shorelines were implemented to protect public safety while high surf advisories remain in effect.
Safety guidance
Officials advise avoiding swimming and entering surf during high surf and rip current warnings. People on or near beaches should stay clear of the water, keep a safe distance from eroding shorelines and avoid driving on flooded roads. Boaters and mariners should exercise extreme caution or avoid going out until marine conditions improve.
Background
Erin originated as a Cape Verde-type hurricane and showed fluctuations in intensity throughout its life, powered initially by warm ocean waters and notable forward speed. While the storm was large and capable of producing widespread coastal impacts, its offshore path limited the most severe damage to a few localized areas of flooding, dune erosion and transportation disruptions.
Key takeaways
- High surf advisories remain in place through Saturday evening for parts of Massachusetts.
- Rip currents are likely along New England beaches through Sunday.
- Warm, humid conditions are expected through the weekend with a return to drier weather by Tuesday.
- Transportation and beach closures may persist while hazardous marine conditions continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim along the New England coast right now?
No. High surf and strong rip currents are present. Swimming and entering the water are not recommended until advisories are lifted and conditions are declared safe.
How long will the high surf and rip currents last?
High surf advisories are in effect through Saturday evening for parts of Massachusetts, and the rip current threat is expected to persist through Sunday. Local conditions may vary, so check updated advisories before visiting beaches.
Are ferries and other services operating?
Some ferry routes were canceled during the most hazardous period. Service availability depends on local transit authorities and will be updated as conditions improve. Expect disruptions while marine hazards remain.
Will there be coastal flooding?
Coastal flood warnings were issued for some Mid-Atlantic and New England areas. Minor flooding, dune erosion and localized road impacts have been reported. The risk should subside as the storm moves away and weakens.
When will weather return to normal?
Forecasts indicate more comfortable, drier conditions returning by Tuesday and remaining into the following week and the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Quick reference table
| Condition | Areas affected | Expected duration | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| High surf | Massachusetts east-facing coastlines, Dukes, Nantucket, Southern Plymouth | Through Saturday evening | Avoid swimming; heed beach closures and lifeguard guidance |
| Rip currents | All New England beaches | Through Sunday | Do not enter the water; if caught, float or swim parallel to shore to escape the current |
| Coastal flooding / dune erosion | Selected Mid-Atlantic and New England shorelines | Ongoing, risk declines as storm weakens | Avoid flooded roads and unstable dunes; move to higher ground if necessary |
| Travel disruptions | Ferry routes from Boston to Lynn, Quincy, Winthrop; local services | Variable — check local service updates | Confirm schedules before travel; expect cancellations or delays |
| Winds | Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and coastal points | Strongest during passage; diminishing offshore | Secure loose objects; avoid exposed areas during high gusts |
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Additional Resources
- Boston 25 News
- CBS News
- WCVB
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2023
- Wikipedia: 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.
