Newport, North Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, warning of life-threatening rip currents due to Hurricane Erin. The danger extends until 8 p.m. as emergency measures are activated, including heightened lifeguard alertness. Beachgoers are advised to swim parallel to the shore if caught in rip currents. The hurricane’s impact has resulted in increased surf risks and a declared State of Emergency in Dare County. Reports indicate that rip currents led to 27 fatalities in the U.S. this year, emphasizing the critical need for awareness.
Newport, North Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City issued an updated beach hazards statement at 2:19 p.m. on Tuesday, warning beachgoers of potential dangers related to Hurricane Erin. The statement is active until 8 p.m. for the Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, emphasizing the serious threat of rip currents, which can pose risks even to experienced swimmers.
The NWS highlighted the hazardous conditions, specifically noting that rip currents can unexpectedly pull swimmers far from shore into deep water. Those caught in a rip current are advised to remain calm, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape, and float or tread water if they become fatigued. Additionally, since earlier warnings of “life-threatening rip currents” were issued, they remain cautious about the ongoing situation.
The impact of Hurricane Erin has resulted in increased rip current risks, high surf, and strong longshore currents along North Carolina beaches. In response to the hurricane, a State of Emergency was declared in Dare County to protect residents and visitors. Lifeguards and emergency personnel have been placed on high alert due to several reported water rescues occurring along Southern North Carolina beaches since Monday.
Throughout the past week, red flags were prominently displayed, serving as warnings that entering the water could be dangerous. Wave heights along some areas are expected to lessen as Hurricane Erin continues to move further into the North Atlantic. However, the NWS forecasts that beach hazards such as high surf and persistent rip currents will continue along the Northern Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
Weather experts predict a moderate surf risk stretching from Cape Lookout to Hatteras, with red flags anticipated from the Buxton to Duck regions. Although Hurricane Erin has progressed from a tropical storm and is now categorized as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, it has already prompted evacuations and warned of hazardous conditions along the Eastern U.S. coast.
Areas including Nantucket Island are likely to witness wave heights surpassing 10 feet as Erin pushes northward, contributing to forecasts of widespread moderate coastal flooding in low-lying regions, such as parts of Long Island and New York City. As a testament to the dangers of rip currents, reports indicate that 27 deaths linked to rip currents occurred in the U.S. this year alone, making awareness of these conditions critical.
Officials continue to emphasize that attempting to rescue someone caught in a rip current can be perilous; it’s safer to alert lifeguards or contact emergency services instead. NWS meteorologists are reiterating the need for caution and enhanced awareness regarding rip currents, especially during severe weather conditions.
Key Features of the Beach Hazards Statement
- Issue Time: 2:19 p.m. on Tuesday
- Areas Affected: Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island
- Statement Duration: Until 8 p.m.
- Current Conditions: Life-threatening rip currents, high surf, strong longshore currents
- Emergency Measures: State of Emergency in Dare County, heightened alert for lifeguards
- Advice to Swimmers: Swim parallel to shore, stay calm, float or tread water if fatigued
- Historical Context: 27 deaths due to rip currents reported in the U.S. this year
FAQ
What is a rip current?
A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water that pulls away from the shore. It can pose serious risks to swimmers, especially if they are caught off guard.
What should I do if caught in a rip current?
If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, or float and tread water if you are tired. Do not try to swim directly back to the shore against the current.
What safety measures are in place for beachgoers?
Lifeguards and emergency personnel are on heightened alert at beaches, and red flags are displayed to warn swimmers against entering the water under hazardous conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Urgent Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Threatens Outer Banks with Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Damage in Rodanthe
Precautionary Swimming Advisory Issued for Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
New Jersey and New York Prepare for Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Duck Fire Department Investigates House Fire on Four Seasons Lane
Hurricane Erin Forces Mandatory Evacuations in North Carolina
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Herald Sun: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- WXII 12: Hurricane Erin Beach Risks
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- AP News: Tropical Storm Erin
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.
