Hurricane Erin Prompts Evacuations Along NC Coast as Life-Threatening Waves Loom
NORTH CAROLINA — Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands as Hurricane Erin grows in strength off the North Carolina coast, with forecasts calling for dangerous surf, flooding, and gusty winds midweek.
The storm became a hurricane on Friday and intensified over the weekend. While it is expected to remain offshore, Erin will make its closest pass to the North Carolina coast between Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Evacuations Ordered in Dare and Hyde Counties
In response to the storm’s projected impacts, Dare County declared a local state of emergency on Sunday and issued a mandatory evacuation for all of Hatteras Island. County leaders stressed that even though Erin isn’t expected to make landfall, its increasing size poses life-threatening dangers to the barrier island coastlines.
Hyde County officials followed suit, enacting their own emergency declaration and issuing a mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island, where officials fear serious flooding from the storm’s outer effects.
Flooding, Coastal Erosion, and Rip Currents Expected
Weather experts warn that gusty winds and tidal flooding could severely affect infrastructure, particularly the highway connecting the Outer Banks, which may be washed out midweek. Beach erosion is likely, and homes near the coast could face structural risks.
The ABC11 First Alert Weather Team reports that waves and rip currents will be at their most dangerous from Wednesday to Thursday, though high surf could continue outside that window. Winds may gust over 40 mph, further worsening the coastal conditions.
Storm Path Still Uncertain, But Impacts Guaranteed
Forecasters are monitoring Erin’s movement between the Outer Banks and Bermuda, where its exact track will determine the intensity of local impacts. However, even if Erin stays far from shore, its size ensures hazardous coastal conditions for parts of North Carolina.
“Life-threatening waves and rip currents are going to happen regardless of the exact path,” meteorologists warned, urging residents and visitors to heed evacuation orders and stay away from the water.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor local alerts and prepare for storm surge and high surf through Thursday. To stay updated, download your local weather app or visit your county’s emergency management website.
Stay informed about Carolina’s coastal weather and emergency alerts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
