Mount Sinai NY
8-22-2025 2:18pm

Erin's Path on Long Island

Long Island Daily News – Editorial Desk

🌀 Hurricane Erin Veers Off East Coast, But Long Island Beaches Remain in Peril

By Editor-in-Chief, Long Island Daily News

August 22, 2025

LONG ISLAND, NY — Hurricane Erin may have taken a sharp turn away from the East Coast, sparing Long Island from a direct hit, but its impact is far from over. As the storm churns northeastward into the Atlantic, its powerful swells continue to batter our shoreline, creating hazardous surf conditions and prompting widespread beach advisories.

🌊 Surf Still Dangerous, Beaches Closed to Swimming

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory through Friday evening, warning of waves reaching up to 10 feet along eastern Long Island beaches and 4 to 7 feet on the western coast. Lifeguards and local officials have prohibited swimming at all public beaches, including Jones Beach, Robert Moses State Park, and Long Beach, citing life-threatening rip currents and unpredictable wave surges.

Despite red flags and posted warnings, some surfers have braved the conditions. “You wait all year for waves like this,” said Scott Klossner of Long Beach. “But it’s no joke out there. The rip is heavy.” Officials urge even experienced swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water until conditions improve.

🚫 Flooding and Erosion Threats Linger

Coastal flooding has already affected low-lying areas in Hampton Bays and along Dune Road, where floodwaters pooled across streets and threatened beachfront properties. Crews have begun reinforcing dunes with sand piles to prevent further erosion, especially along the vulnerable South Shore.

Local businesses are also feeling the storm’s ripple effects. “We’ve seen a drop in foot traffic,” said Sarah Montalvo, a server at Sundays on the Bay. “Erin didn’t hit us directly, but it’s definitely made waves—literally and financially.”

📢 Officials Urge Caution Through Weekend

Governor Kathy Hochul has extended swimming bans at state beaches through the weekend, and Nassau and Suffolk County executives held a joint press conference pledging coordinated efforts to monitor and respond to coastal hazards.

“This storm may have spared us a direct strike, but its reach is wide,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “We’re urging residents to respect the ocean and stay informed.”

☀️ Looking Ahead

While the weather forecast promises sunny skies and pleasant temperatures through Sunday, the ocean remains treacherous. Officials expect conditions to gradually improve by Monday, but until then, beachgoers are advised to enjoy the sand—not the surf.

📸 Have photos or stories from your neighborhood? Share them with us at LongIslandDailyNews@outlook or tag @LIDailyNews on social media.

Stay safe, Long Island. The storm may be offshore, but its message is clear: respect the water, heed the warnings, and protect our shores.

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