Caribou, Maine – Waves up to 12 feet are crashing along the Maine coast Friday, creating hazardous surf conditions that could sweep people and pets into the water. The National Weather Service warns beachgoers to stay back from the shoreline as swells arrive in long, 17-second intervals.
According to the NWS in Caribou, the high surf will peak Friday as offshore system Erin passes well south of New England. Officials caution that plunging breakers may slam swimmers into the ocean floor and surging waves could easily knock people down, making even standing near the shoreline dangerous.
Inland, conditions remain much calmer with sunny skies Friday and highs climbing into the upper 70s. Saturday will be partly sunny and similarly warm before a breezier pattern arrives on Sunday with temperatures near 80.
A frontal system is expected late Sunday night into Monday, bringing the risk of significant rainfall across western and northern Maine. Lows Sunday night will hold near 60, with highs Monday in the 70s.
Hazardous surf warnings remain in effect Friday, and residents are urged to avoid nonessential beach activity until seas subside.
