Hurricane Erin: Dangerous water conditions prompt warnings, beach closures in Mass.

Weather

“I want to urge everyone on our coasts to stay safe and alert as we expect to experience some effects of the storm passing offshore.”

Massachusetts officials issued warnings on Wednesday that the state’s coastline will see dangerous rip currents and high surf as Hurricane Erin continues its brush with the East Coast. 

Several beaches in the state have already been closed to swimming.

The Nantucket Harbormaster said Wednesday morning that all of the island’s south shore beaches are closed to swimming due to dangerous water conditions.

According to CBS Boston, South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, Westport’s beaches, and both Minot Beach and Peggotty Beach in Scituate were also closed to swimming.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for the South Coast, Cape, and the Islands, warning that impacts from Hurricane Erin will bring life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions. Boaters are also be warned that the wind and wave conditions will be hazardous for small vessels, with waves of five feet or more possible.

“Large breaking waves increasing through tomorrow afternoon and evening,” service forecasters said. “Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions expected along with localized beach erosion.”

Many of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s beaches are within the areas considered at high risk by the National Weather Service, officials said. Double red flags on the beaches will indicate whether swimming on the beach is closed. 

“I want to urge everyone on our coasts to stay safe and alert as we expect to experience some effects of the storm passing offshore,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “Rip currents and high surfs are a serious threat to swimmers. Please be careful while the storm passes through our region and keep an eye out for neighbors who might need assistance.”

Officials said the warnings will remain in place until the weather patterns from Hurricane Erin subside.