Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 2 storm, is expected to pass more than 300 miles southeast of the region. While projections show its center remaining offshore, forecasters note that local impacts, including rip currents and variable weather, could still occur.
Video: Cool night & tracking Erin

Key Takeaways:
- Erin is forecast to pass over 300 miles offshore as a Category 2 hurricane
- Meteorologist David Williams cautions of potential local impacts
- Rip currents and changing weather conditions may arise
- A cool night and mostly cloudy skies are projected
- Storm timing coincides with late-summer conditions across the region
Introduction
Hurricane Erin has garnered attention across Massachusetts and beyond as it approaches the northeastern coast while remaining more than 300 miles offshore. The storm, classified as a Category 2 hurricane, carries the potential to influence local weather patterns, despite keeping a wide berth from the coastline.
Meteorologist’s Perspective
David Williams, a StormTeam meteorologist, emphasized that although Erin will stay well out to sea, its expansive reach should not be dismissed. “It’s going to pass off our southeast well over 300 miles offshore,” Williams stated. He added that while the storm’s center stays distant, “Erin will continue to expand, and we may see some impacts locally.”
Potential Local Effects
Even with the hurricane traveling offshore, coastal areas could feel Erin’s ripple effects. Beachgoers and boaters are urged to stay attentive to possible rip currents, which can appear when powerful storms churn waters offshore. Though no extreme weather event is confirmed for inland communities, existing forecasts indicate that shifts in wind patterns or wave activity remain possible.
Forecast and Conditions
Along with monitoring Hurricane Erin, the region is experiencing a cool night, with mostly cloudy skies and moderate temperatures. The timing—late summer in Massachusetts—means temperatures can fluctuate rapidly, and meteorologists encourage residents to stay vigilant in case conditions change quickly.
Conclusion
As Erin skirts the southeastern coastline at a safe distance, the storm nonetheless demands attention from those in coastal and island areas. With a cautious eye on rip currents and shifting weather, local communities are advised to remain informed. While meteorologist David Williams and others do not predict a direct landfall, the evolving nature of Hurricanes warrants close observation until Erin moves well beyond the region.