Strong winds and high surf conditions from Hurricane Erin are expected to cause disruptions to ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard this week. 

Hurricane Erin is forecast to move northward through mid-week, threatening coastal flooding, ocean over wash and dangerous surf. Northeast wind gusts of 20 to 30 knots and choppy seas are expected. 

Though the hurricane is expected to continue moving out to sea, the Steamship Authority on Monday released a travel advisory, warning travelers. The ferry line said the current forecast indicates Oak Bluffs service will be diverted to Vineyard Haven starting Wednesday night through Friday morning on the Martha’s Vineyard route, and high-speed ferry service will possibly be disrupted on Thursday on the Nantucket route. 

Several trips Monday morning were diverted from Oak Bluffs to Vineyard Haven due to weather conditions, and several more are likely to come.  

The National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory through Thursday morning, warning of seas up to 11 feet high. 

“Ocean exposed beaches, especially those that [are] south facing are at a particular high risk for high surf/dangerous rip currents,” the weather service wrote.

Hurricane Erin is currently in the Caribbean and classified as a Category 4 hurricane. It is expected to weaken as it moves north and northeast, and could be off the Island’s south shore by Friday.