Hurricane Erin expected to intensify as it nears coast of NY, NJ

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The tri-state area is bracing for Hurricane Erin as it churns up the East Coast on Thursday.

The system is currently a Category 2 hurricane, but is expected to intensify in strength, according to the National Weather Service. It’s packing sustained winds of 110 miles per hour.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks bore the brunt of Hurricane Erin, with life-threatening surf, significant flooding and beach erosion. Officials closed a main highway linking the Barrier Islands on Wednesday night as the surge increased and waves grew higher.

Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that New York City beaches would be shut down on Wednesday and Thursday due to dangerous rip currents. Gov. Kathy Hochul also banned swimming at ocean-facing state beaches.

On Coney Island, Luna Park has shut down in preparation for the storm. Parks Department employees are patrolling the area to watch out for swimmers and surfers, as waves could reach up to 13 feet.

In Long Branch, N.J., the surf could reach 6 to 8 feet. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are both possible, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

Hurricane Erin is slowly moving away from North Carolina, not expected to make landfall, according to the NWS.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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