Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the hurricane season heats up for the South Shore of Long Island and Hurricane Erin is forecast to hit the southern Atlantic coast, Town of Hempstead officials gathered in Point Lookout on Tuesday to discuss the potential of life-threatening rip currents, potential coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Appointed Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti noted the town’s “proactive storm preparations.”
“Weather patterns can shift quickly, and we are not taking any chances,” Ferretti said of the potential dangers. “We are acting swiftly to protect our residents, our beaches, and our infrastructure.”
Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilmen Dennis Dunne Sr., Thomas Muscarella and Chris Schneider and Councilwomen Melissa Miller and Laura Ryder, and Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll joined Ferretti at the news conference.
While Hurricane Erin is not expected to make direct landfall, Long Island’s South Shore is forecasted to experience hazardous surf, rip currents, and flooding, with wave heights potentially reaching 12 feet and wind gusts between 20 and 40 mph.
In response, town beaches will be closed to swimming and bathing through Aug. 20.
Ferretti outlined the response on the beach, which will include the removal of mobility mats, lifeguard stands, and garbage receptacles in anticipation of storm surge. Sand will be strategically piled at beach walkovers to mitigate erosion.
“Weather patterns can shift quickly, and we are not taking any chances.” Ferretti said of the potential dangers. “We are acting swiftly to protect our residents, our beaches, and our infrastructure.”
To discourage unsafe surfing, beach gates will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 21, and lifeguards will be present to enforce closures and keep the public safe.
“The Town of Hempstead is taking every possible precaution to protect our shoreline, beachgoers, and waterfront communities,” Ferretti said. “We urge residents and visitors to avoid swimming, surfing, or boating during this period. Please respect the power of mother nature and the guidance of our public safety officials.”
Hurricane Erin formed as a tropical storm on Aug. 11, before strengthening into the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season three days later. Within 24 hours, Erin became a Category 5 hurricane due to abnormal water temperatures and atmospheric conditions — which were responsible for an 85 mile-per-hour winds increase.
Eight inches of rain have been reported in the southeastern Bahamas, as well as widespread power outages in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The last time the town issued beach closures was in 2023, when Long Island experienced Hurricane Lee, which was considered a long-lived and intense tropical cyclone, which impacted Bermuda, the northeastern United States, and eastern Canada in September of that year.
Similarly, beaches were closed to swimming and bathing, and crews worked to ensure the safety of the public and preserve the beaches.
Erin’s impact is expected to be felt in Point Lookout Beach, Lido Beach, Lido Beach west, East Atlantic Beach, Atlantic Beach Estates and Malibu Beach, according to officials.
