Hurricane Erin Brings Flooding And Dangerous Surf To NJ, But No Landfall

Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

As Hurricane Erin makes its way up the East Coast this week, New Jersey is bracing for a notable impact–despite the storm’s center staying hundreds of miles offshore and not making landfall.

Federal and state officials said to expect strong rip currents, big waves, and coastal flooding along the Jersey Shore beginning Wednesday through the end of the week. Erin is not expected to approach closer than 450 miles from the coast; after rapidly intensifying from Category 1 to Category 5 last week, it is now a Category 2 storm.

At least 16 beaches have banned swimming, according to NJ.com. Among the list are Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Cape May, Wildwood, and Island Beach State Park. The decision comes after a 13-year-old girl drowned in Belmar last Friday due to rough rip currents.

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center and local officials said ocean waves could hit over 10 feet, pushing seawater into flood-prone neighborhoods and roadways along the shore. Residents are urged to follow advisories, keep out of the water, and prepare for possible flooding in coastal areas.