Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin remains a Category 2 storm with maximum winds of 100 mph, causing significant concerns along the East Coast. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable areas in North Carolina, with storm surges and coastal flooding expected. Dangerous conditions are reported, including rip currents and high surf, as states prepare for potential power outages and beach closures. Officials are urging residents to comply with evacuation directives while monitoring the storm’s path as it moves northeast towards Bermuda.
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin continues to pose a significant threat to the East Coast as it maintains its status as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. As of Thursday evening, the hurricane is situated approximately 300 miles east of Cape Hatteras and is progressing northeast towards Bermuda. Hundreds of miles of the Northeast coastline are currently impacted by coastal flooding and perilous surf conditions, prompting precautionary measures across several states.
In North Carolina, a storm surge of up to 4 feet is anticipated, which has led to evacuation orders for the most vulnerable areas of the Outer Banks. Tens of thousands of residents and tourists have been ordered to evacuate from Dare, Hyde, and Currituck counties due to the escalating threat of the storm. By Wednesday, over 85,000 individuals had already been evacuated from the Outer Banks, with local authorities declaring states of emergency across affected regions.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported road closures on Highway 12, where surf had begun to encroach upon the roadway. The storm is generating dangerous rip currents and turbulent conditions along the East Coast, resulting in several beach closures to swimming activities. Weather stations recorded sustained winds of approximately 45 mph and gusts reaching 54 mph at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head on Thursday morning, further contributing to hazardous conditions.
Evacuation orders have been especially emphasized in popular destinations such as Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency for the area, warning of life-threatening risks for those who choose to defy evacuation directives. Erin’s winds extend almost 320 miles from its center, creating a widespread danger for coastal communities along the Eastern US.
New Jersey has also taken precautionary measures, with Governor Phil Murphy issuing a state of emergency as hazardous conditions loom at the Jersey Shore. Reports of extremely high surf have emerged, with wave heights approaching 20 feet particularly along the central Outer Banks. Tropical storm warnings and coastal flood warnings are now in effect in parts of Delaware, New Jersey, and New York’s Long Island.
As water levels rise during high tide cycles, minor flooding has been observed as recorded by a water-monitoring station at Cape Hatteras. The situation is expected to deteriorate during high tide on Thursday evening and into Friday. Residents and tourists are strongly urged to avoid swimming in the ocean and to stay updated on local weather conditions and evacuation plans. While some beaches may permit experienced surfers to access the water under strict regulations, conditions remain dangerous overall, leading to the cancellation of surf competitions in Virginia Beach.
Electrical crews and rescue teams are on standby as power outages are anticipated throughout North Carolina. The storm also disrupts cruise itineraries along the East Coast. Although Hurricane Erin is forecasted to weaken, it may still maintain hurricane status into the weekend while moving away from the coast.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is currently a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.
What areas are under evacuation orders due to Hurricane Erin?
Evacuation orders have been issued for regions in North Carolina, particularly Dare, Hyde, and Currituck counties, as well as popular areas like Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.
What conditions are expected along the East Coast due to Hurricane Erin?
Coastal flooding, dangerous surf conditions, and the potential for a storm surge of up to 4 feet are expected. Rip currents and high surf with waves up to 20 feet are also reported, leading to beach closures.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Category 2 Hurricane |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 100 mph |
| Location | 300 miles east of Cape Hatteras, NC |
| Storm Surge | Up to 4 feet expected |
| Areas Evacuated | Dare, Hyde, Currituck counties, and parts of the Outer Banks |
| Impacted State of Emergency | North Carolina and New Jersey |
| Waves Height | Up to 20 feet |
| Power Outages | Anticipated in North Carolina |
| Forecasted Path | Northeast towards Bermuda |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Explore North Carolina’s Natural Wonders in 2025
High Rip Current Risk Predicted for Virginia Beach This Labor Day
North Carolina Braces for Hurricane Erin: Emergency Declarations and Evacuations Issued
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations and Storm Warnings
Zajac Family Celebrates Daughter’s First Birthday in Corolla
Hurricane Erin Triggers Beach Hazards in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Upgraded to Category 2, State of Emergency Declared in North Carolina
Tragic Drowning Incident at Nags Head Beach
Georgia Man Drowns in Nags Head Ocean Incident
Outer Banks, North Carolina Faces Hurricane Erin Threat
Additional Resources
- CNN: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- WRAL: Tracking Tropical Storm Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- CBS News: Hurricane Erin Evacuations
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- BBC: Hurricane Erin Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Impact
- Google News: Hurricane 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.
