Several New York City beaches will remain closed for the weekend due to strong rip currents from Hurricane Ernesto.
The Category 1 storm made landfall in Bermuda early Saturday, hovering slowly over the island throughout the day with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain. Although hundreds of miles offshore, the system is generating rip currents on the East Coast of the U.S., prompting the National Weather Service to issue alerts for high surf and riptides along much of the Atlantic coastline.
Waves in the Northeast have the potential of reaching up to 9 and 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
Crews reinforce the beach with mounds of sand to protect from erosion, on Aug. 16, 2024, at Jones Beach, New York.
WABC
In New York City, beaches in Brooklyn, including Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach as well as the Rockaway and Riis beaches in Queens will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, the NYC Parks and the National Park Service announced at the start of the weekend. Swimming and wading are not permitted during the closure due to possibly life-threatening conditions from the rip currents.
“Our primary focus is keeping New Yorkers safe, so as the impacts of Tropical Storm Ernesto approach New York City, we are closing our ocean-facing beaches in Queens and Brooklyn this weekend to protect New Yorkers from dangerous rip currents,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement on Friday.
Video taken by ABC New York station WABC showed workers on Coney Island preparing the beach for the onslaught of powerful waves by reinforcing mounds of sand to protect from erosion.
In this image released by NOAA, Hurricane Ernesto is shown on Aug. 17, 2024.
NOAA
On Long Island, berms were built to protect the delicate shoreline, which has suffered from beach erosion in recent years, WABC reported. One of the biggest concerns there is sea water coming in from the beachfront and flowing into low-lying regions, Jones Beach State Park Director Jeffrey Mason told WABC.
Beaches on Long Island were not closed for swimming, but beachgoers were advised by officials to use caution.
In this screen grab from a video, the beach is shown closed at Coney Island, New York, on Aug. 17, 2024.
WABC
Ernesto will continue moving north and northeast and is expected to move off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada on Monday night as a weakening hurricane.
More storms are expected in the coming weeks, as September is typically the peak of the hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center.
New York City’s beaches have been closed for safety due to the threat of rip currents caused by Hurricane Ernesto. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers out to sea. They are especially dangerous during storms, when the waves are larger and more powerful.
The decision to close the beaches was made by city officials in order to protect the safety of beachgoers. Rip currents can be unpredictable and difficult to spot, making them a serious threat to swimmers. By closing the beaches, officials are taking proactive measures to prevent any potential accidents or drownings.
Hurricane Ernesto has been making its way up the East Coast, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region. While the storm itself may not directly impact New York City, its effects can still be felt in the form of dangerous rip currents along the coastline.
It is important for beachgoers to heed the warnings and stay out of the water until it is deemed safe to do so. Even experienced swimmers can fall victim to rip currents, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
In addition to closing the beaches, city officials are also urging residents to stay informed about the latest updates on Hurricane Ernesto and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm. This includes securing loose objects outside, stocking up on emergency supplies, and staying indoors during periods of heavy rain and high winds.
While it may be disappointing to have the beaches closed during the Labor Day weekend, safety should always be the top priority. By following the guidance of city officials and staying informed about the latest developments, residents can help ensure their own safety and that of others during this potentially dangerous time.
