News Summary
The beaches of Assateague Island and Ocean City are closed to swimming due to Hurricane Erin, which has caused dangerous rip currents and high surf. Local officials made the decision to shut down the beaches as the storm, now a Category 2, approaches. Despite not hitting the U.S. directly, the hurricane’s effects are significant, prompting warnings about hazardous conditions. Beach access is restricted, and lifeguards are monitoring the situation closely while promoting safety measures during this weather event.
Maryland Beaches Close Due to Hurricane Erin’s Dangers
The beautiful beaches of Assateague Island and Ocean City are officially closed for swimming, and it’s all because of the unpredictable conditions brought on by Hurricane Erin. This weather event, which has been a topic of discussion recently, has created dangerous rip currents and high surf, making it unsafe for any beach activities. Local officials made the decision to close the beaches on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and swimming is now prohibited until conditions improve.
Hurricane Erin Update
As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Erin was rated a Category 2 storm, packing sustained winds of about 105 mph. Although it is making its way north, thankfully, it is not expected to hit the U.S. directly. The storm was about 650 miles southwest of Bermuda and approximately 690 miles southeast of North Carolina—definitely far enough to allow residents to breathe a sigh of relief! However, the storm has been in a state of flux, weakening from a threatening Category 5 on Saturday down to a Category 3 on Sunday, and now to Category 2 as of Tuesday.
Rip Currents Pose Serious Risks
Beachgoers should be aware that dangerous rip currents have been a concern for some time along the East Coast. Last week, officials warned everyone to stay out of the water as these swift currents can occur even during low tide, especially near jetties and piers. It’s a serious matter, and experts like Captain Butch Arbin of the Ocean City Beach Patrol have highlighted how these currents can even overpower Olympic swimmers. Safety is clearly the name of the game here!
Assateague Island and Ocean City Precautions
Alongside the swimming ban, the National Park Service has closed beach access around Assateague Island on both sides—Maryland and Virginia—due to extreme conditions. This stunning area boasts over 30 miles of beach, and officials are taking no chances when it comes to public safety in challenging situations like these. The Superintendent of Assateague Island has indicated that conditions are likely to worsen over the next 24 hours, so it’s crucial to stay informed.
Lifeguards Keeping an Eye
While lifeguards in Ocean City will be keeping a close watch and enforcing the swimming prohibition, local officials are anticipating hazardous surf conditions and large waves. This could also result in possible coastal flooding over the coming days. The city’s Mayor has underscored the serious nature of these rip currents as life-threatening risk factors for beachgoers for at least the next three days.
Flooding and Safety Precautions
In the wake of Hurricane Erin, the Maryland State Highway Administration is gearing up for potential flooding impacts. Officials are urging residents to be cautious of standing water and downed power lines, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes just in case, as emergency readiness can make all the difference during these storms.
What to Expect
High surf advisories are now in place, warning swimmers and surfers alike that dangerous conditions will likely stick around. Coastal flood warnings are also active, particularly in areas like Anne Arundel County, where tidal flooding could reach 1 to 2 feet. Even after Hurricane Erin passes, experts say that treacherous ocean conditions could persist for up to 48 hours.
Conditions for Assateague’s Wild Horses
Interestingly, while conditions for beachgoers are alarming, the beloved wild horses of Assateague Island are not expected to face significant troubles from Hurricane Erin. As the storm progresses, local officials are closely monitoring the situation. With wave heights projected to reach between 13-15 feet on Thursday, it’s definitely a time to stay vigilant and safe.
In short, while the beaches may be temporarily closed and conditions may seem dire, safety is always the top priority. The communities along Maryland’s beautiful coastline are resilient, and with proper precautions, everyone can stay safe while enjoying the wonders of nature—just perhaps from a distance for now!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News
- WBAL-TV
- The Baltimore Banner
- WMDT
- WBOC
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City 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 Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
