Hurricane Erin Bringing Dangerous Rip Currents And Big Surf

Hurricane Erin is expected to pass by far from Nantucket - hundreds of miles to the southeast - but the island is already feeling its effects.

Town officials are warning beachgoers of potentially life-threatening rip currents and surf as high as 20 to 25 feet along the south shore on Wednesday and Thursday.

"All beachgoers are strongly urged to stay out of the water," the town stated in a press release. "Those wishing to enjoy the beach are encouraged to use Jetties Beach, which will remain staffed with lifeguards and provides safer conditions during this event."

On Tuesday, the surf from Hurricane Erin was already beginning to arrive, prompting the town to close all south shore beaches to swimming. By the afternoon, several south shore beaches had water running sideways after it pooled up against the dunes.  

The town boat ramp at Children's Beach was packed with people on Wednesday, attempting to haul out their vessels ahead of the storm. It is expected to be busy once again on Thursday morning.

The Steamship Authority is also warning travelers and commuters regarding potential service disruptions on the Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard routes on Thursday. The boat line advised that high-speed ferry service to Nantucket "will possibly be disrupted on Thursday" due to the conditions from the passing storm.

Meanwhile, Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey is urging boaters to take action in advance of the storm by removing any dinghies from the dinghy dock at the town pier and pulling back any dinghies or kayaks on the beach beyond the high tide mark.

"Anyone at the dinghy dock at the town pier, remove them until the storm passes," Lucey told the Current. "The dinghies don't ride well, and the dock will get destroyed as well."

The town also plans to close the end of the town pier bulkhead to commercial fishing vessels and all other boats to prevent damage.