No Landfall, Big Impact: Hurricane Erin Pounds Coastal Massachusetts

Waves crash into King’s Beach in Swampscott || Monica Sager

While Hurricane Erin didn’t make landfall, it still caused major disruptions for coastal communities, especially in Massachusetts

The storm, which is twice the size of an average hurricane, came closest to the U.S. on Wednesday, passing about 200 miles off the Outer Banks. Strong winds and waves threatened Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, while rip currents surged along the East Coast from the Carolinas to New England. However, Hurricane Erin’s trajectory helped limit damage along the U.S. coast and nearby island nations.

In Swampscott, waves have been crashing onto the beach and over the wall along Humphrey Street. Around high tide at noon Saturday, water reached all the way to the start of the beach’s sandy stretch. Boats bobbed in the choppy water as waves splashed into them.

“The Harbormaster would like to advise all Swampscott mariners to stay posted to current forecasts regarding Hurricane Erin,” the Swampscott Police Department posted to its social media pages. “High winds and surf may impact the harbor. We advise all boaters to make sure their boats are secure. Add lines to your mooring, make sure batteries are charged and bilge pumps are in working order. Please stay tuned to marine forecasts.”

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced Friday that ferry services between Boston and nearby cities, including Lynn, were canceled.

The National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings for several places in New England.

“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,” Governor Maura Healey said in a press release. “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.”

A high surf advisory remains in effect for Eastern Essex, Massachusetts, until 8 p.m. Saturday, warning of “large breaking waves of five to eight feet in the surf zone.”