The Dukes County Emergency Management Association (DCEMA), in coordination with the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency (MEMA), is closely monitoring Hurricane Erin as it passes well offshore later this week. While the storm is expected to remain out at sea, it will bring fringe impacts to coastal areas of southern New England, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
  High Surf and Rip Currents:
● High Surf Advisories remain in effect into Saturday.
● South-facing ocean beaches are most vulnerable, with 10–15 foot breaking waves expected.
● Rip currents will be strong and dangerous.
● Warning: Some beaches do not have lifeguards or have closed due to weather conditions. Inexperienced swimmers and surfers should avoid entering the water.
● Beachgoers should stay well away from jetties, piers, and other coastal structures.

Significant Beach Erosion:
● Prolonged swell from Hurricane Erin will cause dune and beach erosion, particularly on south-facing shores.
● Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket remain especially vulnerable given prior storm erosion in recent winters.

Hazardous Marine Conditions:
● Gale Warnings are in effect for most nearshore and offshore waters through Friday.
● Winds: Gale-force northeast winds could gust up to 40 knots.
● Seas: Offshore seas are forecast at 15–20 feet.
● Small Craft Advisory is in effect: Mariners should avoid venturing out, especially those in smaller vessels. Conditions will be extremely dangerous.

Coastal Flooding Concerns:
● A Coastal Flooding Advisory is now in effect for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, covering the late Thursday night and late Friday night high tide cycles.
● Minor to low-end moderate coastal flooding is possible in:
         ○ Nantucket Harbor
         ○ Edgartown Harbor
         ○ Vineyard Haven Harbor
         ○ Oak Bluffs Harbor
● Flooding risk increases Thursday evening and Friday evening, with storm surge of 1–2 feet and wave action up to 8 feet in Nantucket Sound.
● Elsewhere, significant coastal flooding is not expected.
  ● Beachgoers: Avoid entering the water; surf and rip currents will be life-threatening.
● Boaters: Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories are in effect. Postpone trips until conditions improve.
● Residents & Visitors: Stay informed through trusted sources, avoid coastal structures during high surf events, and prepare for minor flooding in low-lying harbor areas.

Stay Informed:
The Emergency Management Directors of Dukes County will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. For real-time forecasts and warnings:
● Follow @DukesCountyEM and @NWSBoston on social media for updates
● National Weather Service Boston: www.weather.gov/box
● All Martha’s Vineyard residents and visitors are strongly urged to sign up for our free Islandwide Emergency Alert System. This service provides real-time multi-lingual notifications about emergencies, severe weather, road closures, and other important public safety information via text, email, and/or voicemail. Sign up today at: https://dukescouty-ma.myfreealerts.com
● Residents and visitors can also sign up for the Town of Edgartown’s Text Notification System:
         ○ Text Edgartown to 877-550-8627 to enroll.
         ○ To receive storm-specific alerts (storms, heavy rain, hurricanes, etc.,) text ALERT to 877-550-8627.

Reminder: Hurricane Erin will stay offshore, but its impacts on our waters and south-facing beaches will be significant. Please use caution, avoid unnecessary risks, and plan ahead for hazardous marine and coastal conditions through Saturday.

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Link to Official Press Release in English: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12l3dYKXYURrlYgj61tIk_j8jFhXUARea/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=108078265027262380309&rtpof=true&sd=true

Link to Official Press Release in Portuguese: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SXM_SjaKntju44V4qLFhmxwuk2p0GSOI/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=108078265027262380309&rtpof=true&sd=true