Jones Beach Braces for Powerful Nor’easter as Winds Strengthen, Surf Builds

WANTAGH, N.Y. — Strong winds and rough surf battered the shoreline at Jones Beach State Park early Friday afternoon as conditions began deteriorating ahead of a powerful nor’easter expected to impact Long Island through the weekend.

Winds swept across the beachfront Friday as waves crashed offshore, offering an early look at the coastal conditions expected to worsen as the storm approaches the region.

At Jones Beach, workers were seen removing signs and securing equipment along the beachfront during low tide as final preparations continued ahead of the storm.

Despite the worsening conditions, several visitors remained along the beach and boardwalk Friday, braving the wind to watch the increasingly turbulent Atlantic ahead of the storm’s strongest impacts.

The National Weather Service placed the beaches of southern Nassau County, including Jones Beach, under a High Surf Advisory through Saturday evening, with surf heights of 7 to 11 feet expected. A high risk of rip currents is also in effect through Saturday evening.

The nor’easter is expected to bring a prolonged period of strong winds, rain, dangerous surf and coastal flooding to Long Island. Coastal flooding is expected to be among the storm’s primary threats, particularly during high tide cycles along the South Shore.

Storm impacts are expected to continue through the weekend before conditions gradually improve.