Harbormaster Warns Of Big Surf And "Extremely Strong Rip Currents" From Passing Hurricane This Weekend

Hurricane Ernesto, which is currently churning a few hundred miles east of Florida, is not expected to come close to Nantucket as it heads northward, but Harbormaster Sheila Lucey issued a stark warning on Thursday about its potential impacts on the island.

"Our office is closely monitoring Ernesto which we expect to bring high surf and extremely strong rip currents beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend," Lucey said. "We anticipate flying double red flags and closing the water to swimming on the south shore. PLEASE plan accordingly and swim on the north shore. We have lifeguards at Dionis, Children’s and Jetties beaches who are ready to help! North shore water is more refreshing than south shore water!"

Lucey added that a forecast from CBS Boston indicated that Nantucket could see five to 10-foot waves at island beaches over the weekend and into early next week, with offshore swells of 10 to 20 feet.

In the aftermath of the three recent deaths at island beaches - two of which occurred on the south shore in heavy surf - Lucey is attempting to get the word out in advance about the potentially dangerous conditions.