Portland, Maine – Coastal visitors are being urged to stay alert as powerful surf builds along the Maine shoreline through Friday, with waves reaching up to 12 feet as Hurricane Erin tracks far offshore. While the storm will not make landfall, dangerous sneaker waves and rip currents pose a serious risk to anyone near the water.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, long-period swells will steadily increase from 5 to 6 feet today, to 9 to 10 feet tonight, and up to 12 feet on Friday. Officials warn beachgoers to remain a safe distance from the ocean, as unexpected waves can quickly sweep people off rocks or beaches. Strong surf may also roll logs and heavy debris along the shore, creating added hazards.
Inland areas will enjoy mostly sunny and seasonably warm weather, with highs in the upper 70s to near 80 through the weekend. Nights will cool into the 40s and 50s, making for clear, crisp evenings across northern and central Maine.
The National Weather Service advises residents and visitors to avoid turning their back to the ocean and to be cautious when walking along the shoreline. Surf conditions should ease late Friday night, but showers are likely to return Monday as a new frontal system moves into the region.
