Boston, Mass. – Massachusetts and Rhode Island shorelines face dangerous surf and pockets of coastal flooding through Saturday as waves up to 20 feet hammer beaches from Cape Ann to Block Island. The National Weather Service warns inexperienced swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water, with rip currents expected to remain strong until at least Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, high surf advisories remain in effect for coastal Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and eastern Massachusetts beaches. Coastal flood advisories are also posted for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard late Thursday night and again Friday night, where shallow flooding less than one foot deep could impact roads such as Easy Street near Nantucket Harbor.
Wave action of 6 to 20 feet will create hazardous conditions across Block Island, Newport, Washington County, and coastal Bristol County, Rhode Island. On Cape Cod, Barnstable and Plymouth counties can expect 4 to 18-foot waves, while Essex and Plymouth counties north of Boston may see surf up to 12 feet.
Travel impacts are expected to remain minor, but officials urge drivers to allow extra time near shorelines at high tide. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to protect property and avoid driving through standing water.
High surf advisories and flooding risks remain in place through Saturday evening, with updates possible if tides or surf conditions worsen.
