BOSTON, Mass. – Beaches across Massachusetts will see dangerous surf and strong rip currents through Thursday night as Hurricane Erin churns offshore, driving swells as high as 10 to 12 feet along the Cape and Islands. While the storm remains well out to sea, the National Weather Service warns the impacts will be felt at the shoreline.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston, maximum wave heights are expected Thursday evening, with seas building to 15 to 20 feet offshore south of Nantucket. Closer to shore, waves between 7 and 12 feet will pound Cape Cod beaches, while the North Shore could see breakers near 10 feet.
The rip current risk will be high across all Massachusetts beaches, including popular stretches from Revere to Cape Cod National Seashore. Lifeguards and emergency officials urge swimmers to stay out of the water and warn that even strong swimmers can be pulled seaward quickly. Coastal flooding is not anticipated, but beach erosion and hazardous surf conditions will persist into Friday.
Officials recommend avoiding rocky coastlines and jetties, where waves may unexpectedly crash ashore. Beachgoers are urged to check local advisories before heading out.
Hazardous surf conditions are expected to ease by late Friday, though swells could linger into the weekend.
