Outer Banks, North Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm, prompting evacuations in parts of the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Despite being 200 miles offshore, the hurricane is expected to generate dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Dare County, urging residents to evacuate in anticipation of significant storm surges and hazardous conditions. The storm’s impact has already been felt in Puerto Rico, with power outages for thousands, while emergency measures are in place along the coast.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Hurricane Erin continues to threaten the eastern U.S. with dangerous waves and an increasing potential for evacuations as it has escalated to a Category 2 storm. Although the hurricane is not expected to make direct landfall on the U.S. East Coast, the storm is predicted to double or even triple in size, significantly impacting North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Emergency officials in Dare County have declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of Hatteras Island, effective Monday. The order comes in anticipation of hazardous conditions, including heavy surf and high winds that could potentially wash out stretches of North Carolina Highway 12, a vital route connecting vacation spots to the mainland.
While the hurricane is forecasted to remain at least 200 miles from the Outer Banks, the storm is expected to generate rip currents along the East Coast, raising concerns for swimmers and beachgoers. Swimming advisories have been issued citing dangerous waves and rip currents along coddled beaches. A storm surge of up to 4 feet is also predicted for affected areas, intensifying the risk.
Current Status of Hurricane Erin
As of Sunday afternoon, Hurricane Erin exhibited maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, down from a peak of 160 mph when it reached Category 5 status earlier in the week. Despite the decrease in wind intensity, the National Hurricane Center warns that Erin’s strength is fluctuating and may regain power in the next 48 hours.
Outer bands of Erin have already affected Puerto Rico, causing power outages for around 147,000 customers and canceling over 20 flights due to inclement weather. Conditions in Bermuda are also expected to worsen as the storm moves north and northeast. The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened all ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as conditions begin to stabilize.
Evacuations and Impact
Tens of thousands have been affected by evacuation orders, with approximately 85,000 people having evacuated from Dare, Hyde, and Currituck counties in response to the anticipated storm surges. Areas along the Outer Banks are already experiencing significant beach erosion, losing an estimated 10-15 feet of beachfront per year due to ongoing erosion exacerbated by storm activity.
In addition to North Carolina, emergency declarations have been issued in New Jersey due to flooding, wind, and surf hazards along the Jersey Shore. Flood warnings are in place in Delaware, New Jersey, and New York’s Long Island, indicating potential inundation of 2-3 feet in low-lying areas.
Infrastructure and Preparedness
North Carolina Highway 12 has been shut down from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village due to unsafe conditions from surf covering the roadway. Despite the threats to residential areas, as of Thursday evening, no widespread damage to infrastructure has occurred due to Hurricane Erin. Beaches on Long Island have reopened with some remaining restrictions in place due to rough conditions, while many houses in the Outer Banks remain at risk of erosion and storm surge damage.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Erin continues its path across the Atlantic, residents and officials are urged to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders and safety warnings. The storm’s potential for significant impact is a reminder of the importance of preparedness along the coast.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Erin currently?
Hurricane Erin is currently classified as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
Is the U.S. East Coast expected to be directly hit by Hurricane Erin?
No, Hurricane Erin is not expected to make direct landfall on the U.S. East Coast but may still cause dangerous surf and rip currents.
What precautions are being taken in North Carolina?
A state of emergency has been declared in Dare County, and evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island due to potential storm surges and hazardous conditions.
What is the impact of Hurricane Erin on other areas?
Outer bands of Hurricane Erin have caused power outages for approximately 147,000 customers in Puerto Rico and led to flight cancellations. Emergency declarations are in place in multiple states.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Category 2 hurricane, max winds 125 mph |
| Expected Path | Not expected to directly hit the U.S. East Coast |
| Evacuations | State of emergency in Dare County, evacuation of Hatteras Island |
| Potential Surge | Storm surge of up to 4 feet likely |
| Impact on Puerto Rico | Power outages for 147,000 customers, flight cancellations |
| Current Effects | Heavy surf and rip currents along the East Coast |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Damage in Rodanthe
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin
Precautionary Swimming Advisory Issued for Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations in Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact
Beach Homes in Rodanthe Threatened by Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Triggers State of Emergency and Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CBS News: Rodanthe Homes Near Collapse
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Destroys Sea Turtle Nests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- AccuWeather: Waves Crash into NC Beach Homes
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- Axios: Hurricane Erin NC Outer Banks Storm Surge
- ABC11: Conditions Worsen in NC
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.
