News Summary

As Hurricane Erin moves offshore, Rhode Island officials are urging caution along the coastline due to hazardous surf conditions. High waves and rip currents pose serious threats to beachgoers, boaters, and anglers. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory, allowing dangerous conditions to persist through Friday. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety while enjoying the beach, especially inexperienced swimmers who are advised to stay out of the water during this time.

Rhode Island Officials Warn of Dangers Along Coastline as Hurricane Erin Creates Hazardous Surf Conditions

Rhode Island officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution along the state’s coastline as Hurricane Erin passes offshore. The warning, issued on Tuesday by Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), emphasizes the dangers posed by high surf and rip currents affecting southern-facing beaches.

The National Weather Service has put a high surf advisory in place, warning that powerful waves generated by Hurricane Erin may reach heights of up to 15 feet. These conditions are hazardous for boaters, beachgoers, anglers, and onlookers alike. The advisory will remain in effect through Friday, as dangerous surf and rip current conditions are anticipated to persist.

Authorities strongly advise against standing on rocky coastal areas or approaching spots where waves could splash over, as large waves can easily sweep individuals into the water. The DEM is closely monitoring beach conditions and plans to update warning flags throughout the week, depending on how conditions change. Swimming restrictions may also be enforced if necessary.

Beachgoers are encouraged to remain close to lifeguards, listen to safety announcements, and pay close attention to warning flags. Boaters are urged to secure their vessels and paddlecraft to prevent the need for emergency searches, which could divert precious resources and put first responders at risk.

The National Weather Service has highlighted rip currents as a significant concern. Inexperienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the water during this time. If caught in a rip current, individuals should swim parallel to the shore until they are out of the channel. The environmental police chief has noted that the most dangerous conditions often arise during swells like those produced by Hurricane Erin, and rescues frequently occur under seemingly safe weather circumstances.

Additionally, the storm’s wind field is expected to produce gusts of 35 to 40 mph in Rhode Island, further enhancing the hazardous conditions along the coast. Waves are predicted to peak on Thursday, with heights ranging from 8 to 13 feet in the surf zone, raising concerns about life-threatening conditions and localized beach erosion.

As Hurricane Erin continues its path offshore of southern New England, its impacts will be felt along the East Coast from Florida to Maine, with rough surf and dangerous rip currents forecasted throughout the weekend. This warning extends to residents and visitors in neighboring states as well, including Massachusetts, where beaches such as Minot Beach and Peggotty Beach in Scituate have been closed due to rough surf conditions.

Residents and beachgoers are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring updates from the National Weather Service Boston office and accessing beach safety information through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s website. With NOAA predicting 13 to 19 named storms for the 2025 hurricane season, several of which may develop into hurricanes, including three to six direct impacts on the U.S., preparedness is essential during this stormy period.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Turn to 10 News
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• Providence Journal
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin
• NBC Boston
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
• ABC News
• Google News: Hurricane Erin updates
• What’s Up Newport

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.