‘100 Foot’ Waves Reportedly Heading for the U.S. as Hurricane Erin Approaches

The Atlantic hurricane season has once again reminded us of its raw, untamed power. As Hurricane Erin barrels toward the United States, meteorologists warn that giant waves—some reaching up to 100 feet—could impact parts of the East Coast. While the storm itself has weakened from Category 5 to Category 3, experts caution that its oceanic force remains capable of creating hazardous surf, rip currents, and storm surge conditions long before landfall.

In this in-depth report, we’ll explore:

How hurricanes like Erin generate massive waves

Expert predictions about the 100-foot wave possibility

Which U.S. states are most at risk

The science of rip currents and coastal hazards

Historical cases of mega-waves caused by hurricanes

Essential safety tips for residents and beachgoers

The Storm So Far: Hurricane Erin’s Path and Impact

Hurricane Erin formed in the warm waters of the Atlantic earlier this month and quickly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane—the most dangerous classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Packing winds of over 160 mph, Erin wreaked havoc across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, leaving widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.

As it tracks northwest, Erin has weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. But meteorologists warn: don’t let the downgrade fool you. Even at this level, the storm brings:

Sustained winds above 115 mph

Rainfall measured in feet rather than inches

Widespread potential for storm surge

More importantly for U.S. residents: Erin is generating ocean swells capable of traveling hundreds of miles, reaching the East Coast well before the eye of the storm.

Could Waves Really Reach 100 Feet?

The phrase “100-foot waves” sounds like something from a disaster movie. But according to leading scientists, it is not impossible.

Expert Insight: Jean-Raymond Bidlot (ECMWF)

Jean-Raymond Bidlot, a senior scientist in ocean modeling at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), told Newsweek:

“The latest forecast does indeed indicate that the largest significant wave height could reach values in excess of 50 feet with an associated most likely largest wave of more than 100 feet.”

In other words, while average waves near Erin may measure 50 feet, isolated rogue waves could double that height.

Counterpoint: Alex DaSilva (AccuWeather)

Not all scientists agree that U.S. waters will see waves that extreme. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva notes:

“While 100 feet can’t be ruled out, I think they would only be possible if the storm becomes a Category 4 or 5 again. Waves near the center of 50–75 feet are much more realistic assuming a Category 3 storm.”

Why Hurricanes Generate Such Giant Waves

To understand why Hurricane Erin is capable of sending monster waves toward the U.S., we need to look at the science of ocean-atmosphere interaction.

Wind Strength: Strong winds transfer energy to the ocean surface. Hurricanes produce sustained winds at 100–160 mph, generating enormous swells.

Fetch: The distance wind travels over open water. Erin has a wide fetch across the Atlantic, meaning waves have time and space to build.

Storm Duration: The longer a storm sustains high winds, the more energy is imparted into the ocean. Erin’s longevity adds to wave height.

Wave Propagation: Unlike winds, waves radiate outward from the storm center. They can travel hundreds of miles to impact coastlines far removed from the hurricane’s eye.

This is why U.S. beaches could experience hazardous surf even if Erin never makes direct landfall.

Which States Are Most at Risk?

While exact landfall predictions change daily, forecasters warn that Erin’s swells could affect much of the Eastern Seaboard. States most likely to experience dangerous waves and rip currents include:

Florida – Especially the Atlantic coast near Miami and Daytona Beach.

Georgia & South Carolina – Charleston is historically vulnerable to storm surge.

North Carolina – The Outer Banks are already under advisories.

Virginia & Maryland – Swells could amplify tidal flooding in the Chesapeake Bay.

New Jersey & New York – Popular beaches may face hazardous surf conditions.

New England – Even if the storm veers offshore, Rhode Island and Massachusetts could see heavy waves.

The Hidden Danger: Rip Currents

Even if 100-foot waves don’t directly crash onto U.S. beaches, rip currents are almost guaranteed.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has already issued warnings:

“Stay calm and relax. Float to conserve energy. Rip currents don’t pull you under. Don’t swim against the current. You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.”

Why Rip Currents Are Deadly

They account for 80% of lifeguard rescues.

They can move at 8 feet per second, faster than Olympic swimmers.

They occur well before storm clouds or rain arrive.

For this reason, authorities are urging residents and tourists to avoid swimming during Erin’s approach.

Historical Cases of Mega-Waves in the Atlantic

Hurricane Erin isn’t the first storm to threaten with giant waves.

Hurricane Bill (2009): Generated 60-foot waves that killed a 7-year-old girl in Maine despite being hundreds of miles offshore.

Hurricane Joaquin (2015): Produced rogue waves believed to exceed 80 feet, sinking the cargo ship El Faro, killing 33 crew members.

Hurricane Dorian (2019): Created extreme swells and storm surges along the U.S. East Coast, flooding coastal communities.

These examples show why warnings of 50- to 100-foot waves cannot be taken lightly.

The Science of Rogue Waves

The concept of a 100-foot wave is often tied to what scientists call rogue waves:

Unpredictable and much larger than surrounding waves

Caused by the merging of smaller waves into a giant peak

Documented at sea by oil rigs, ships, and satellites

Rogue waves are no longer maritime myths. The infamous Draupner wave (1995) in Norway was the first confirmed 84-foot rogue wave, proving their existence. Erin’s conditions could generate similar anomalies.

How Coastal Communities Can Prepare

For Residents

Secure Property: Tie down outdoor items, reinforce windows, and move valuables to higher ground.

Evacuation Readiness: Follow local emergency orders; don’t wait until last minute.

Emergency Kit: Food, water, medications, and power backups should be ready.

For Beachgoers

Stay Out of the Water: Even skilled swimmers are at risk during rip current conditions.

Avoid Piers and Jetties: Waves amplify around structures, making them deadly.

Monitor Official Advisories: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and NWS provide real-time updates.

Economic Impact of Mega-Waves and Hurricanes

The threat isn’t only to lives—it’s also to U.S. coastal economies.

Tourism: Beach closures during peak summer season could cost millions.

Shipping & Ports: Massive waves disrupt cargo schedules, impacting supply chains.

Insurance Costs: Coastal flooding and property damage add to billions in payouts.

For example, Hurricane Sandy (2012) caused $70 billion in damage, partly due to wave-driven storm surges.

Climate Change and the Future of Mega-Waves

Experts argue that climate change is intensifying hurricanes, making extreme waves more likely.

Warmer oceans provide more fuel for storms.

Rising sea levels increase storm surge impact.

Shifting jet streams alter storm paths, putting more regions at risk.

According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), we should expect stronger storms and higher waves in coming decades if global temperatures continue to rise.

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

While it remains uncertain whether 100-foot waves will truly strike U.S. shores, the threat posed by Hurricane Erin is very real. From 50–75 foot waves near the storm’s core to dangerous rip currents along the East Coast, residents must treat warnings seriously.

The ocean is sending a message: even as hurricanes weaken, their waves travel fast, far, and furiously. For now, the best action is preparation and caution—whether you’re a coastal homeowner, a tourist, or simply a curious observer of nature’s fury.

Stay tuned to updates from:

National Hurricane Center (NHC)

National Weather Service (NWS)

Local emergency management officials

Because when it comes to hurricanes and mega-waves, underestimating the sea can be fatal.