Hurricane Erin Drives Life-Threatening Rip Currents Across US East Coast

Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, has prompted widespread evacuations and beach closures along the US East Coast due to dangerous surf conditions, rip currents, and potential coastal flooding. Although the storm, currently a Category 2 hurricane, is not expected to make landfall and is forecast to move further out to sea, it is producing life-threatening rip currents and high waves, with some areas like Long Island, New Jersey, and South Carolina experiencing waves over 10 feet and 5 to 7 feet respectively. Officials in New Jersey and Delaware have closed multiple popular beaches and urged the public to avoid swimming, citing the risk to even strong swimmers and recent rip current-related fatalities. Cooler temperatures and mostly cloudy skies are expected to reduce beachgoer activity, but the hazardous conditions will persist throughout the week as Erin passes offshore. Meteorologists emphasize that the storm's size and proximity will continue to cause coastal impacts, including erosion and flooding, especially around the Outer Banks and tri-state beaches. Authorities advise the public to stay out of the water despite lifeguard presence to avoid the extremely hazardous surf and rip current threat.