Newport, North Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Newport, NC is under a beach hazards statement due to life-threatening rip currents as Hurricane Erin approaches. Despite not making landfall, the hurricane poses significant risks, prompting authorities to issue warnings, including mandatory evacuations for certain islands. Swim advisories remain in place, urging adherence to safety guidelines. Residents prepare for potential flooding and structural damage as storm surges and rough waves are anticipated, leading to ongoing monitoring of the situation.
Newport, North Carolina Experiences Life-Threatening Rip Currents Amid Hurricane Erin Threat
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City, NC, has issued a beach hazards statement, effective from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, warning of life-threatening rip currents along the Northern Outer Banks. Hurricane Erin, a high-end Category 2 storm with sustained winds nearing Category 3 status, poses significant hazards as it tracks northward. Although the hurricane is not projected to make landfall, its presence is creating hazardous coastal conditions, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advisory measures.
Rip currents, which can sweep even the strongest swimmers away from shore into deeper waters, have already resulted in an estimated 90 rescues in North Carolina on Monday alone, with over 75 of those occurring in New Hanover County. This has led to a no-swim advisory at Wrightsville Beach, effective through Friday. Residents and visitors are urged to adhere to safety guidelines in the event of encountering a rip current: remain calm, swim parallel to the shore, float or tread water if tired, and call for help if escape seems impossible.
Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect along the middle North Carolina coast upwards to Duck, which is north of Kitty Hawk. Furthermore, a tropical storm watch is in place from the northern Outer Banks to Cape Charles Light in Virginia. In preparation for the storm’s impact, Dare and Hyde counties have declared local states of emergency, mandating evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Impending Coastal Hazards and Forecasts
With anticipation of severe weather, North Carolina’s Highway 12 is at risk of becoming completely impassable due to possible flooding. Coastal roads may also face accessibility issues during high tide, raising concerns for residents and emergency responders.
Hurricane Erin has not only intensified following its categorization as a Category 5 before receding but continues to pose considerable risks as tropical storm-force winds extend over 200 miles from its center, projected to reach 280 miles by Thursday. On the Outer Banks, storm surges are expected to reach up to 4 feet from late Wednesday into Thursday. Accompanying these concerns are predictions of extensive beach erosion, with waves expected to reach 20 feet or more.
The condition of protective sand dunes is jeopardized, raising the possibility of severe flooding inland as the tides around the Outer Banks are expected to reach their highest levels of the month on Wednesday and Thursday. These developments not only threaten to inundate coastal areas but could also lead to infrastructural damage and increased emergency measures.
Monitoring Additional Tropical Activity
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring two other areas in the Atlantic for potential tropical development. The first area presents a medium chance of evolving into a tropical storm within the week, while another area near Africa’s Cabo Verde islands has a lower likelihood of development in the upcoming days. If storms emerge from these monitoring efforts, they will be named Fernand and Gabrielle.
Recommendations for Residents and Visitors
Authorities emphasize that it is crucial for residents and tourists to stay informed about ongoing conditions and to follow local advisories. As Hurricane Erin progresses, adjusting plans and preparing for the associated risks can help ensure safety for all individuals along the U.S. East Coast.
FAQ
What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is a high-end Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds approaching Category 3 levels. It is creating hazardous conditions along the U.S. East Coast while not forecast to make landfall.
What safety measures should be taken regarding rip currents?
If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim parallel to the shore, float or tread water if exhausted, and call for help if you are unable to escape.
What areas are under tropical storm warnings?
Tropical storm warnings are in effect from the middle of North Carolina’s coast up to Duck, as well as for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeast Bahamas.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin and Coastal Hazards
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Category | Category 2, nearing Category 3 |
| Rip Current Risks | Life-threatening rip currents along Northern Outer Banks |
| Coastal Warnings | Tropical storm warnings in effect along North Carolina coast |
| Evacuations | Mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands |
| Expected Storm Surge | Up to 4 feet on Outer Banks |
| Projected Wave Heights | 20 feet or more |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Triggers Life-Threatening Coastal Conditions in North Carolina
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Triggers Beach Hazards in Outer Banks
Hazardous Beach Conditions in North Carolina Due to Hurricane Erin
Urgent Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Outer Banks
Hazardous Beach Conditions Issued for Outer Banks
Life-Threatening Rip Currents Warnings for Outer Banks
High Rip Current Risks Issued for Coastal Areas
Discovering the Crystal Coast: A Gem of North Carolina
North Carolina Coast Faces Dangerous Conditions as Hurricane Ernesto Approaches
Additional Resources
- Herald Sun: Life-Threatening Rip Currents
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- News Observer: Hurricane Erin Updates
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- ABC7 NY: Hurricane Erin Evacuations
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin Weather Effects
- ABC11: Hurricane Erin Coastal Hazards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
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.
