Maine Coast Braces for Dangerous Rip Currents and Rough Surf With Waves Up to 12 Feet

PORTLAND, Maine — Coastal Maine is facing dangerous surf conditions through Saturday, as swells from Hurricane Erin continue to build across the Atlantic, sending waves up to 12 feet crashing toward the shoreline. The National Weather Service office in Caribou warns that these long-period swells can surge farther inland than expected, creating life-threatening rip currents and hazardous conditions along the coast.

High Surf Advisory in Effect

The advisory stretches from Bar Harbor to Machias, reaching as far east as Eastport. Authorities are urging beachgoers to avoid swimming, wading, or standing near the surf zone. Even experienced surfers are being warned that the powerful swells and rip currents could prove deadly.

“Conditions can change rapidly,” officials cautioned. “Stay back from the water and never underestimate the strength of incoming waves.”

Impacts on Travel and Coastal Communities

Travelers along Route 1 near the Downeast coast should prepare for dangerous surf near beaches and rocky outcrops, especially in exposed areas where waves can crash onto roadways. Harbors such as Cutler and Jonesport are expected to experience rough conditions, leading boaters to cancel trips or delay departures until seas subside.

The U.S. Coast Guard is urging all recreational and commercial mariners to remain in port until conditions improve, warning that 12-foot seas pose a risk of capsizing even for larger vessels. Ferry schedules may also face disruptions, with possible delays across island routes.

Forecast and Timeline

• Thursday Night: Clear skies south, partly cloudy north. Lows 48–52°F. High surf remains along the coast.
• Friday: Sunny, highs near 78°F. Surf peaks with waves up to 12 feet, rip currents remain hazardous.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, highs mid-70s. Surf begins to gradually subside, though rip currents persist.
• Sunday: Dry, calm inland conditions. Surf eases further, but isolated strong rip currents remain possible.
• Monday: Increasing clouds with rain chances as a cold front moves in, highs in the 70s.

Inland Conditions Stay Calm

While the shoreline battles dangerous waves, inland Maine communities remain largely unaffected. Areas like Bangor will stay dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s at night to the upper 70s by day. The contrast between calm inland weather and volatile coastal conditions highlights how storms like Hurricane Erin can pose highly localized threats.

Safety Guidance

Authorities emphasize:

• Stay away from rocky outcrops and jetties, where waves can sweep people into the ocean.
• Avoid swimming or entering the water along the coast until conditions improve.
• Mariners should remain docked until seas fall below 6 feet by early next week.
• Drivers along Route 1 should remain alert for surf washing onto road shoulders near exposed areas.

By Sunday into Monday, surf is expected to gradually subside, though lifeguards and weather officials warn that rip currents can linger long after waves calm. The next chance of rain arrives Monday evening, when a frontal system pushes in from the west.

Are you in Portland, Bar Harbor, or Eastport and seeing the effects of high surf? Share your photos and local updates in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.