NEW YORK CITY — The city could see its worst riptides in 10 to 15 years from Hurricane Hermine, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday.
New Yorkers will not be allowed into the water at city beaches on Sunday due to the dangerous riptides that are expected as Hermine moves up the Atlantic coast and then stalls near the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference at the Office of Emergency Management.
"If you go in the water, you are putting your life in danger," the mayor said. "It’s as simple as that."
The storm was expected to move off the coast of North Carolina by 2 a.m. Saturday before slowly churning north toward Long Island.
Hermine will start to be felt in our area on Sunday when it will "stall and remain offshore through Wednesday morning," the mayor added.
"That’s an unusual situation for such a large storm to stall and remain in place," de Blasio said.
New Yorkers were also encouraged to bring anything indoors that may become a projectile in strong winds and prepare for flooding.
"Prepare a 'go bag,' particularly in costal areas," the mayor said, adding that officials were prepared to enforce an evacuation of low-lying areas in case the storm becomes more severe.
The mayor added that if winds get to dangerous levels in the city, there may be some bridge restrictions.
The West Indian Day parade was still on for Monday, since it will be far enough inland to be impacted by flooding, de Blasio said.
"It should be affected less, but we will be keeping a close eye on that," he added.
People could still enjoy a beach day on Saturday, but Sunday through Tuesday should be restricted to walks on the sand, if you must venture out.
"Look at the power of mother nature, don’t even think about going in the water," the mayor said.
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