TROPICAL STORM HENRI: NYC BEACHES WILL CLOSE TO SWIMMING DUE TO EXPECTED DANGEROUS CONDITIONS—SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 AND MONDAY, AUGUST 23

 

National Weather Service predicts ocean swells between 2 - 4 ft., and potential wind gusts of up to 60 mph

 

NYC Parks offers proactive tips for how to best report fallen or damaged trees

 

NYC Parks today announced that all City beaches will be closed to swimming on Sunday, August 22 and Monday, August 23, due to the dangerous conditions predicted as an effect of Tropical Storm Henri. Red flags and closure notices will be posted along all beaches, and Parks staff will be surveying the beach to keep patrons out of the water. Surfing will be allowed in designated areas only. 

 

The National Weather Service predicts a dangerous rip current threat with possible ocean swells of between  2 - 4 ft., which will affect all Atlantic Ocean beaches.

 

“We are serious about protecting all parkgoers. Out of caution for the dangerous conditions that are predicted, we have decided to close all City beaches to swimming,” said NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Margaret Nelson. “While surfing will still be allowed, lifeguards will not be on duty, and we strongly urge all New Yorkers not to risk their lives by ignoring this directive.”

 

Parks lifeguards and enforcement staff will be posted along the coastline to enforce the swimming ban. Closure signage will be posted at entryways of all beaches. New Yorkers are advised to adhere to all signage and instructions for their own safety, and to call 311 for updates on beach closures.  

 

In addition to the beach closure, NYC Parks recommends New Yorkers exercise caution as the expected high winds can impact street and park trees.

 

As the steward of the City’s trees, Parks reminds all that it is important to report tree failures through official channels:

• Call 911 immediately if there is a life-threatening emergency
• To report non-emergency tree failures (down trees or branches):

• Call 311, use the 311 app or website (https://portal.311.nyc.gov)
• Use NYC Parks’ street tree map: nyc.gov/parks/treemap
• Use NYC Parks’ web form: nyc.gov/parks/trees

 

When reporting tree damage, please make sure to include the location and a description of the size of the tree or branch. In addition, please include the following details:

• Is there a street address or cross street available?
• Is the fallen tree blocking a road? Fully or partially?
• Has it fallen on or is it touching utility wires?
• Has it fallen onto a house or other building? Is the building damaged?
• Has it fallen onto a car or other vehicle?
• Is the tree split, either vertically or horizontally, but still standing? Is the tree uprooted or leaning noticeably?
• Is tree debris blocking a sidewalk? Fully or partially?