Even former top diplomats aren’t immune to the rules when storms hit the coast. Antony Blinken, the 63-year-old former U.S. Secretary of State, was asked to leave Georgica Beach in the Hamptons on Thursday after violating closures put in place ahead of Hurricane Erin.
Blinken had been trying to enjoy some downtime on a beach chair with a friend when beach patrol approached.
He quickly packed up his tote bag, cooler, and chair before making his way away from the water, following the instructions of authorities.
Hurricane Erin Prompts Widespread Beach Closures
The East Coast of the U.S. has been on high alert as Hurricane Erin approaches.
Authorities closed beaches across Long Island and beyond to protect residents from high surf, dangerous rip currents, and potential flooding.
New York state officials advised the public to steer clear of the water, emphasizing safety as the storm made its way north.
By early Friday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Erin had weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 90 mph.
The storm was located approximately 425 miles south-southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia, after navigating a narrow path between the East Coast and several islands.
Storm Impacts Across the East Coast
Even as Erin lost some strength, its effects were still being felt across the region.
Nantucket’s airport recorded winds up to 45 mph, while the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority canceled ferry services to and from several Boston-area cities.
Cape Cod’s National Seashore closed many beaches to swimmers due to high surf and dangerous currents.
The National Weather Service issued coastal flood warnings extending from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, warning that some roads could become impassable.
Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated from vulnerable barrier islands in North Carolina, where storm surges of up to four feet threatened the area.
Central Outer Banks communities bore the brunt of the storm, facing 20-foot waves and 2 to 4-foot surges that overwhelmed some islands.
In Margate City, New Jersey, firefighters rescued more than 50 people from cars, restaurants, and bars amid tidal flooding on Thursday night.
Public Response and Surfers Undeterred
Even with beaches closed in New York City, more than a dozen surfers rode the waves at Rockaway Beach in Queens, defying warnings.
The massive storm system has been unusually large, stretching over 600 miles, and forecasters continue to monitor additional tropical disturbances far out in the Atlantic.
Hurricanes known as Cape Verde storms, fueled by thousands of miles of warm ocean water, remain among the most dangerous to North America.
Authorities urge everyone along the coast to take precautions, follow closures, and stay safe as the storm progresses.
