ORLEANS, MASS. (WHDH) - Massachusetts beaches were forced to close on Labor Day due to Hermine.
Tractors rolled on Nauset Beach in Orleans to pick up and remove every life guard stand, so Hermine’s high winds don’t blow them away.
The storm blew sand onto every bystander that came to see and document its effects.
Mid-afternoon waves hit heights of eight feet in Orleans.
Rip currents were so dangerous that the beach was closed and people were warned to stay out of the water.
“The lifeguards said high tide was coming in and we needed to come off the beach,” said Barbara Burrill, an Orleans resident. “They wouldn’t let anyone stay,” she added.
Orleans Harbormaster, Nathan Sears, said major beach erosion is expected.
“We’re basically losing all the sand that’s built up over the summer,” said Sears.
Over at Horseneck Beach in Westport, high surf and heavy winds didn’t stop people from checking out the waves.
“We were just expecting building swells throughout the day, it’s probably anywhere from 4 to 6 feet or more, we’ve closed the water to swimming and surfing today as well,” said Owen Worden, head lifeguard at Horseneck Beach.
High winds on the beach sent towels, hats and bags flying.
The blowing sand covered the walkways.
Lifeguards closed the water to swimming and surfing, asking anyone seen in the water to kindly get out.
Fishing boats were tied to the docks, not taking any chances with 12 foot seas or higher expected off shore.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)