New Jersey, August 21, 2025

News Summary

As Hurricane Erin approaches the East Coast, New Jersey and New York are on high alert for coastal hazards. With warnings issued for dangerous rip currents and high surf conditions, officials have closed several beaches in New Jersey. The storm, now a Category 2 hurricane, is expected to bring strong winds and potential flooding, prompting emergency declarations. Residents are urged to take precautions as conditions are anticipated to worsen throughout the week.

New Jersey and New York Brace for Hurricane Erin’s Coastal Hazards

New Jersey and New York officials are preparing for hazardous conditions as Hurricane Erin continues to make its way up the East Coast, bringing with it tropical storm conditions near North Carolina’s coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued stern warnings for beachgoers along the U.S. East Coast, advising against swimming due to potentially life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.

As Hurricane Erin progresses, multiple beaches in New Jersey, including those located in Surf City and Long Beach Island, have been closed to mitigate risks associated with high surf and strong currents. A storm surge warning is currently in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina, and a tropical storm warning is active from Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, to Chincoteague, Virginia. While the storm has yet to make landfall, it is not expected to spare New Jersey or Delaware from its impact throughout the week.

At present, Hurricane Erin is classified as a high-level Category 2 hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. The storm has experienced fluctuations in size, previously reaching the intensity of a Category 5. Currently, it is located approximately 215 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

As Hurricane Erin approaches, the New Jersey shore can expect gusts of wind ranging from 40 to 50 mph. High surf advisories have been issued for the region, indicating large breaking waves that could reach up to 10 feet by Thursday. Emergency officials are particularly concerned about the safety of beachgoers as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.

Government Response

The New Jersey governor, Phil Murphy, has urged residents and visitors to heed warnings and avoid the water due to the heightened risk of rip currents. Recent dangerous incidents in Seaside Heights and Belmar serve as reminders of the potential threats posed by such conditions. Meanwhile, some coastal areas are bracing for minor to moderate flooding, and officials are closely monitoring the situation as major flooding could occur during high tide.

Emergency officials in Cape May County have warned of a peak tidal surge expected to be between 1 to 3 feet, and a coastal flood warning is in effect through Saturday. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to take immediate precautions, including moving vehicles to higher ground. Anticipation of deteriorating conditions is prompting several beach towns to raise red flags, clearly signaling the dangers associated with swimming.

Local Emergencies Declared in North Carolina

In anticipation of Hurricane Erin’s impacts, Dare and Hyde counties in North Carolina have declared local states of emergency, coupled with mandatory evacuation orders for areas heavily frequented by tourists. The governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, has also declared a state of emergency to mobilize state resources to confront the storm’s anticipated consequences.

Forecast for Impact

As the week continues, beachgoers are cautioned to remain vigilant and informed, as Hurricane Erin continues on its path along the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor the storm and update advisory information as necessary, ensuring that communities remain ready for the potential hazards that may arise.

FAQs

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Dare County Declares Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Hurricane Erin Batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina Coast with Dangerous Conditions
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with High Winds and Flooding
Cleanup Efforts Underway in Coastal North Carolina After Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Erin Causes Panic in Dare County
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina, Threatening Coastal Communities
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Dare County
Hurricane Erin Forces Mandatory Evacuations in North Carolina
Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina with Mandatory Evacuations

Additional Resources

• The New York Times
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• Fox29
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin impact on NJ beaches
• NBC Philadelphia
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
• CBS News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
• 6ABC
• Google News: Hurricane Erin New Jersey

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare 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 the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.