Hurricane Erin’s Potential Impact on NYC’s Weekend Weather: Insights from NBC New York

Hurricane Erin‘s Lingering Effects: Coastal Hazards Remain

The Tristate area experienced the outer bands of Hurricane Erin late Thursday, bringing with it hazardous conditions along the coastline. While the storm’s peak intensity has passed, a critically important threat of dangerous rip currents, rough surf, and coastal flooding persists, impacting beachgoers and coastal communities.

Current Coastal Hazards

Dangerous rip currents remain the primary concern,with authorities urging extreme caution for anyone entering the water. Several beaches were temporarily closed earlier this week due to the elevated risk,and this trend is expected to continue through at least Friday,and perhaps into Saturday. Even experienced swimmers can be overwhelmed by the strong pull of these currents. Officials strongly advise against swimming, even when lifeguards are present.

Eastern Long Island beaches saw wave heights peaking at 16 feet on Thursday. While wave heights will decrease, high surf conditions are expected to continue across New Jersey and Long Island on Friday, with waves potentially reaching 10 feet. Conditions will improve gradually over the weekend, but above-average waves are still anticipated through Saturday. The sea is not expected to fully settle until sunday or Monday.

Moderate coastal flooding was observed Thursday night, with inundation in low-lying areas reaching up to 2.5 feet. While flood warnings have been downgraded to advisories, vulnerable areas could still experience flooding up to 2 feet on Friday. The diminishing influence of Erin will lessen the intensity of onshore winds, but residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant.

hazard	Current Status (as of Friday Morning)	Expected Duration
Rip Currents	High Risk	Through Saturday
High Surf	Present, Waves up to 10 feet	Gradually decreasing through weekend
Coastal Flooding	Advisory – up to 2 feet	Friday, diminishing thereafter

Did You Know? Rip currents are responsible for approximately 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. Staying informed and understanding the risks can save lives.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Weekend

Despite the ongoing coastal hazards, the forecast indicates improving conditions as the weekend progresses. Temperatures are expected to climb back into the 80s, accompanied by lower humidity, lighter winds, and sunny skies.Any potential rainfall on Sunday is not anticipated to significantly impact coastal areas.

Pro Tip: before heading to the beach, always check local weather reports and beach conditions. Heed all warnings and advisories issued by authorities.

While the influence of Hurricane Erin will linger for the next 24-48 hours, the worst of the storm has passed. Coastal conditions will gradually improve, setting the stage for a pleasant weekend. Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the warmer weather, but to remain cautious near the water.

Understanding Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from shore. They are often difficult to spot, but can be identified by a channel of churning, choppy water, a difference in water color, or a line of foam or debris moving seaward. If caught in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current’s flow.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents affect more than 100 million peopel annually and cause over 40 deaths. Learn more about rip current safety from NOAA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Erin’s Impact

• Q: what are rip currents, and how dangerous are they?

  A: Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, posing a significant threat to swimmers. They can pull even strong swimmers out to sea.

• Q: How long will the high surf conditions last?

  A: High surf conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, gradually decreasing, but waves could remain above average until Sunday.

• Q: Is it safe to swim at the beach this weekend?

  A: Swimming is not recommended due to the high risk of rip currents.Check with local authorities for beach closures and conditions.

• Q: What should I do if I get caught in a rip current?

  A: Remain calm, don’t fight the current, and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip current’s pull. Then, swim towards the shore.

• Q: Will the coastal flooding worsen?

  A: Coastal flooding is expected to lessen on Friday, but vulnerable areas could still experience up to 2 feet of inundation.

Share your experiences and stay updated by commenting below.Are you prepared for these coastal conditions, and what precautions are you taking?

What specific rainfall amounts are projected for the five boroughs, and wich areas are at highest risk of flash flooding?

Current Trajectory and Forecast

As of August 22, 2025, Hurricane Erin is tracking northward, and while a direct hit on New York City is not currently predicted, the storm’s influence on the region’s weekend weather is becoming increasingly clear. NBC New York’s latest forecasts indicate a high probability of increased rainfall, gusty winds, and perhaps hazardous beach conditions. The storm, currently categorized as a Category 1 hurricane, is expected too weaken as it moves over cooler waters, but its remnants will still pack a punch. Tracking models show a potential for Erin to transition into a post-tropical cyclone before reaching the New York area. This doesn’t diminish the potential for impactful weather, however.

Expected weather Conditions in NYC

Here’s a breakdown of what New Yorkers can expect this weekend, based on NBC new York’s reporting:

Rainfall: The most meaningful impact will likely be heavy rainfall. Current projections suggest 2-4 inches of rain across the five boroughs from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Isolated areas could see up to 5 inches, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Wind: Sustained winds of 25-35 mph are anticipated, with gusts potentially reaching 45-55 mph, especially along the coast. These winds could cause downed trees and power outages. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to wind damage.

Coastal Impacts: A significant storm surge is not expected at this time, but large waves and perilous rip currents are highly probable. Beach closures are likely throughout the weekend. The combination of high tide and storm surge, even a moderate one, can exacerbate coastal flooding.

Temperature: Temperatures will be cooler then average for late August, with highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 60s. The cloud cover associated with the storm will contribute to the cooler temperatures.

Borough-Specific Outlook

While the entire NYC metropolitan area will feel the effects of Hurricane Erin, some boroughs may experience more significant impacts than others:

Manhattan: Expect heavy rainfall and gusty winds, particularly in lower Manhattan and along the Hudson River waterfront. Potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Brooklyn: Similar to Manhattan, Brooklyn will see heavy rain and wind. The Rockaway Peninsula is particularly vulnerable to coastal impacts.

Queens: Coastal Queens, including the Rockaways and Long Beach, will be most affected by strong winds and dangerous surf conditions. Inland areas will experience heavy rainfall.

The Bronx: Heavy rainfall is the primary concern for the Bronx, with a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage.

Staten Island: Staten Island is most exposed to coastal winds and waves. Residents should prepare for potential power outages and coastal flooding.

Understanding the Difference: Hurricane vs. Cyclone vs. Typhoon

It’s common to hear these terms used interchangeably, but they refer to the same weather phenomenon – a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters. The difference lies in were they occur:

Hurricane: Used for storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern pacific Ocean.

Typhoon: used for storms that form over the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

Cyclone: Used for storms that form over the South Pacific Ocean and the Indian ocean.

Irrespective of the name, these storms are all categorized using the saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, based on their sustained wind speeds.

Preparing for the Storm: Practical Tips

Here’s how to prepare for Hurricane Erin’s potential impact:

1. Secure Outdoor Objects: Bring in or secure any loose outdoor items, such as patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations.
2. Charge Devices: Fully charge your cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Consider a portable power bank.
3. Emergency Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit, including:

Non-perishable food

Water (one gallon per person per day)

Flashlight and extra batteries

First-aid kit

Medications

Cash

1. Stay Informed: Monitor NBC New York’s weather updates and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Download the NBC new York app for real-time alerts.
2. Flood Preparedness: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider sandbagging or moving valuables to higher ground.
3. Know Your Evacuation Zone: Familiarize yourself with your local evacuation zone in case an evacuation order is issued.

Ancient Context: NYC and Hurricane Impacts

New York City has experienced several significant hurricanes throughout its history. Superstorm Sandy in 2012 caused widespread devastation, particularly in coastal areas. While Hurricane Erin is not currently projected to be as powerful as Sandy, it serves as a reminder of the potential for severe weather impacts. Hurricane Irene (2011) also brought significant flooding to the region. Learning from these past events is crucial for effective preparedness.

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