North Carolina, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph, made landfall in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, prompting a state of emergency and mandatory evacuations for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Flooding, significant storm surges, and hazardous surf conditions are affecting coastal areas along the East Coast. Officials emphasize safety measures as dangerous conditions persist, with electrical crews deployed for recovery efforts across impacted regions.
Hurricane Erin Triggers State of Emergency, Evacuations, and Dangerous Conditions Along the East Coast
North Carolina is bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Erin, which remains a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. As the storm moves away from the North Carolina coast, its effects are still being felt across the region, resulting in a state of emergency declared by Governor Josh Stein.
Hurricane Erin made landfall on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, bringing intense winds, significant storm surge, and widespread flooding. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, prompting the evacuation of over 2,000 individuals. Key infrastructure, such as Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, is currently closed due to worsening weather conditions, with some sections completely submerged in water.
The National Weather Service has warned that flooding, storm surges, and high surf will continue along parts of North Carolina’s coastline through Friday. Rip currents and dangerous surf conditions are expected to create hazardous scenarios for coastal communities along the entire East Coast.
Coastal Alerts and Flooding Concerns
Coastal flood alerts have been issued for low-lying areas across the East Coast, including parts of Delaware and New Jersey. Tidal flooding could elevate water levels by 2 to 4 feet above ground level, rendering many roads impassable. Hurricane Erin’s influence extends well beyond North Carolina, as its tropical storm-force winds reach up to 320 miles from its center and affect sections of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic.
Virginia Beach is experiencing powerful waves, with reports of wave heights reaching between 20 to 40 feet. The North Carolina Department of Transportation anticipates that numerous roads may become unusable due to flooding, potentially trapping vehicles.
Safety Precautions and Recreational Restrictions
Even as Hurricane Erin begins to pull away, the storm’s hazardous conditions are expected to persist along the East Coast. As a precaution, New York City has closed beaches to swimming due to the current water risks created by the storm. In addition, surfing has been limited in parts of New Jersey, with officials emphasizing the importance of staying out of the water.
Emergency management officials in North Carolina have reported an increase in rip current rescues this week as individuals have disregarded safety warnings and attempted to enter the ocean. Crews are currently working to clear debris from Highway 12, though there is no estimated timeline for when the road will reopen.
Governor Stein has urged residents to heed evacuation orders, stressing that the conditions posed by Hurricane Erin could be life-threatening. While the storm is expected to weaken, its significant swell energy will still impact coastal areas, potentially leading to more flooding.
Continued Monitoring and Future Response
A reentry permit process has been established for Dare County to facilitate safe return once conditions allow. The flooding threat is predicted to peak during high tide cycles, particularly Thursday evening, raising further concerns for residents.
The expansive reach of Hurricane Erin is also prompting marine warnings from Florida to Maine, as dangerous conditions persist along affected coastlines. Tropical storm-force winds have caused property damage and toppled trees across parts of North Carolina and neighboring states.
As response measures continue, electrical crews have been deployed to inspect flooded roadways and restore power where possible. North Carolina remains under evaluation for potential public assistance requests to address the storm’s damages.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | 2 |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 100 mph |
| Evacuations | Over 2,000 from Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands |
| Waves | 20-40 feet reported in Virginia Beach |
| Flooding Threat | 2-4 feet above ground level expected in low-lying areas |
| Ongoing Safety Measures | Beach closures and warnings for dangerous surf conditions |
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is currently categorized as a Category 2 storm.
What areas are under evacuation orders?
Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
How high are the waves in affected areas?
Waves are reported to be between 20 to 40 feet in Virginia Beach.
What is the expected flooding threat?
Flooding could raise water levels by 2 to 4 feet above ground level in some areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Delivers Heavy Swells and Strong Winds to U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Affects Ocracoke Village and East Coast
Evacuations and Flood Warnings as Hurricane Erin Hits New Jersey
New Jersey and New York Prepare for Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Dare County Declares Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Hurricane Erin Batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina Coast with Dangerous Conditions
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with High Winds and Flooding
Cleanup Efforts Underway in Coastal North Carolina After Hurricane Irene
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CNN
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- ABC 11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Axios
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- BBC News
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- NBC News
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
