Dare County, North Carolina, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Dare County, North Carolina has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin nears the coast, with a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island. Although the storm has weakened to a Category 3, it is forecasted to potentially regain strength. Evacuations begin for visitors on August 18 and for residents on August 19. Coastal flooding is expected, and residents are advised to stay updated on storm developments.
Dare County Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Dare County, North Carolina, has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin approaches the coast, prompting a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island. As of Sunday afternoon, the storm has weakened to Category 3 status, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, down from a previously recorded 160 mph at its peak as a Category 5. However, forecasters warn that Erin is rapidly growing in size and has the potential to regain strength in the coming days.
The emergency declaration for Dare County will take effect for all areas beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday. Evacuation orders for Hatteras Island will commence for visitors at 10 a.m. Monday, August 18, and for residents the following day at 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 19. The evacuation zone includes all communities on the island, such as Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.
Officials strongly recommend that those evacuating travel westbound along Highway 64 to access Interstate 95 in order to avoid potential traffic congestion. A similar state of emergency has been enacted for Ocracoke Island, where visitors must evacuate by 8 p.m. Sunday and residents by 6 a.m. Tuesday.
As the storm approaches, coastal flooding and ocean overwash are anticipated. The weather is expected to start deteriorating on Tuesday, August 19, and continue through August 21. A Coastal Flood Watch has been issued, as officials predict that Highway 12 on Hatteras Island may become impassable for several days due to flooding.
In preparation for the effects of Hurricane Erin, Dare County Schools announced that Monday will be an optional workday for teachers at select schools, while students at Dare Early College will have a remote learning day. Additionally, the beginning of the semester at the College of the Albemarle will be delayed, and all college locations will be closed at least until Wednesday. The safety of students and staff remains a priority in these uncertain times.
Despite Erin not being forecasted to make direct landfall, the East Coast can expect hazardous rip currents and gusty winds. Forecasters anticipate that Hurricane Erin will remain powerful and could strengthen again over the next 48 hours. Residents are advised to stay alert and keep informed about further developments regarding the storm.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
- Current Status: Category 3
- Maximum Wind Speed: 125 mph
- Evacuation Orders: Hatteras Island for visitors starting 10 a.m. (Aug 18), residents at 8 a.m. (Aug 19); Ocracoke Island for visitors by 8 p.m. (Aug 18), residents at 6 a.m. (Aug 19)
- Coastal Flood Watch: In effect, with potential flooding on Highway 12
- Date of Expected Impact: August 19 – August 21
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin has weakened to a Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, but it is rapidly growing in size.
When does the evacuation order take effect for Hatteras Island?
The evacuation order for visitors starts at 10 a.m. on August 18, and for residents at 8 a.m. on August 19.
What areas are included in the evacuation?
The evacuation applies to all areas of Hatteras Island, including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.
How should residents evacuate to avoid traffic congestion?
Residents are advised to travel westbound on Highway 64 to Interstate 95 to minimize traffic issues.
What weather conditions are expected during the storm?
Coastal flooding, ocean overwash, rip currents, and gusty winds are expected as the storm approaches.
Chart of Hurricane Erin Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Category | Category 3 |
| Peak Wind Speed | 160 mph (Category 5) |
| Current Wind Speed | 125 mph |
| Dare County Emergency Declaration | Effective 6 p.m. Sunday |
| Evacuation for Hatteras Visitors | Starting 10 a.m. (Aug 18) |
| Evacuation for Hatteras Residents | Starting 8 a.m. (Aug 19) |
| Anticipated Flooding | August 19-21 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Under Mandatory Evacuations as Hurricane Erin Approaches
North Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Erin’s Approach
Dare County Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Hurricane Erin Downgraded to Category 3 Storm in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3: Impact Spreads Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Erin Rapidly Intensifies to Category 5
Hurricane Erin Intensifies to Category 2 Near Leeward Islands
Hurricane Erin Threatens Oceanfront Homes in Rodanthe, NC
Tropical Storm Erin Expected to Strengthen into a Hurricane
Coastal Erosion Threatens Outer Banks Communities
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- WXII 12 News
- WAVY News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
