North Carolina, September 1, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm, is threatening the U.S. East Coast, particularly North Carolina, prompting mandatory evacuations and state of emergency declarations. Coastal areas face dangerous storm surges and high surf, leading to beach closures and warnings of life-threatening conditions. Residents are advised to heed evacuation orders and stay vigilant as weather conditions are expected to worsen.

Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations, High Surf, and Storm Warnings on U.S. East Coast

North Carolina is bracing for potentially devastating impacts from Hurricane Erin, which is currently moving north in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles offshore. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions affecting the Outer Banks and other regions along the U.S. East Coast.

The storm, which has been categorized as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), is expected to generate hazardous conditions, including waves that could reach as high as 20 feet. Coastal counties such as Dare and Hyde have enacted mandatory evacuations for residents and tourists from vulnerable locations like Ocracoke and Hatteras islands due to the heightened risk during the busy summer months.

As part of the preparations, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency, which enables resources and funds to be mobilized for disaster response. The last ferry from Ocracoke was scheduled to depart at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with over 2,220 people having evacuated by that time. Ferries to Hatteras will continue to operate as long as conditions allow.

In addition to evacuations, the NHC has warned that beachgoers should avoid entering the water due to “life-threatening surf and rip currents.” Swimming and water activities are banned along New Jersey’s shore from Cape May north to Sandy Hook, with coastal flooding expected to peak during high tide on Thursday. Meanwhile, New York City has ordered closures for all public beaches on Wednesday and Thursday, as cooler temperatures of around 70°F are forecasted.

Hurricane Erin has already created hazardous conditions, with significant flooding and beach erosion being reported along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The flooding has been exacerbated during high tides, causing roads, particularly North Carolina Highway 12, to close due to debris and water accumulation. The storm’s wind field is larger than 90% of similar tropical systems, extending nearly 575 miles and affecting areas far from its center. Tropical storm warnings also extend into parts of Virginia and Maryland.

The winds from Hurricane Erin were measured at a maximum sustained speed of 110 mph, moving to the north-northeast at 18 mph. NHC director Mike Brennan indicated that conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly in the coming hours. Utility companies in the affected regions are preparing their crews to respond quickly to potential power outages arising from the storm.

This storm is notable as it is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and the first to achieve hurricane status, after previously reaching Category 5 strength before weakening to its current category.

Key Points of the Storm’s Impact

• Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
• The state of emergency in North Carolina enables mobilization of resources for assistance.
• Beach closures are implemented in New York and New Jersey, and swimming is prohibited along much of the coast.
• Hurricane Erin’s powerful winds and storm surge pose a significant threat to coastal regions.

Forecast and Safety Precautions

Those living in or traveling to regions along the East Coast are advised to remain vigilant as conditions may worsen throughout the week. Coastal flooding, high surf, and rip currents will likely continue to pose dangers through the weekend. Residents are encouraged to adhere to evacuation orders and stay informed through local authorities.

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Additional Resources

• CNN
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• New York Times
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2025
• ABC News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
• WRAL
• Fox Weather

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.