Assateague Island officials announce closures ahead of Hurricane Erin

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, — Beaches on Assateague Island have been closed due to eroded shoreline posing a threat to visitors.

Restrictions have been imposed on overlanding vehicle areas on both the Maryland and Virginia sides to ensure public safety.

Water activities are canceled for the oceanside, as officials consider the conditions too hazardous.

Meanwhile, Chincoteague Beach has been partially closed, with the possibility of a full closure. Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek warned of approaching Hurricane Erin, expected to bring waves exceeding 12 feet Thursday.

“Wave heights can be pushing past 12 feet, kind of unprecedented — something we haven’t seen in a long time,” Wirdzek said. “Those types of wave heights leading to coastal flooding, leading to beach erosion, is a kind of 1- 2 punch, and when you talk about the danger for swimming plus the danger of just being on the beach.”

The WMDT Storm Team will continue to provide updates to the community as the situation develops.