Shore Environment

Waves Wallop Ortley Beach, Ocean Roars As ‘Erin’ Remains Offshore

by
Daniel Nee
August 20, 2025

Despite its position hundreds of miles offshore, Hurricane Erin began affecting the Jersey Shore in earnest Wednesday, with significant wave action seen in the freshly-replenished Ortley Beach section of Toms River Township.

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current advisory, high surf advisory, wind advisory and coastal flood advisory – all through Friday. The wild waves will be largest on Thursday, the NWS said.

The effects of Hurricane Erin in Ortley Beach, N.J., Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo: Shorebeat)

“The forecast calls for aarge breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet in the surf zone on Thursday and 6 to 9 feet on Friday,” the statement said. “For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level is expected in low- lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.”

The coastal flood warning was in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Saturday.

“Many roads become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur,” the statement said. “Be prepared for rising water levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials.”

The NWS also called for “life threatening” rip currents through Friday, though beaches were closed in every local municipality, as well as at Island Beach State Park.

The effects of Hurricane Erin in Ortley Beach, N.J., Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo: Shorebeat)

There was little in the way of flooding at Wednesday’s afternoon high tide, however back bays were forecast to begin overflowing onto local streets Thursday to coincide with the new moon and a daytime tide cycle. Seaside Heights officials were hoping waves on the oceanfront would not affect a concert planned for later this week.

The effects of Hurricane Erin in Ortley Beach, N.J., Aug. 20, 2025. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Erin was located off the Outer Banks of North Carolina Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center was calling for a sharp turn toward the east-northeast by midday Thursday. It is expected to pass several hundred miles off the Jersey Shore overnight Thursday into Friday, with sun returning as the storm moves farther from the coastline.