North Carolina, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm, is threatening the U.S. East Coast, particularly North Carolina. With winds reaching 110 mph, 32 million people are under coastal flood advisories and 7.7 million face flood warnings. Significant erosion and hazardous conditions prompt evacuations and road closures. The storm is expected to intensify before weakening, raising serious concerns about coastal flooding and rip currents.
Hurricane Erin Causes Flooding and Erosion Along U.S. East Coast
North Carolina is bracing for severe impacts as Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm with winds reaching 110 mph, approaches the coast. Currently situated about 215 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, the storm is moving north-northeast at approximately 16 mph and is projected to expand its influence across the East Coast, putting millions of residents under coastal flood advisories.
About 32 million people are affected by coastal flood advisories, with nearly 7.7 million under flood warnings as the storm’s powerful impacts are expected to last over 48 hours. Waves in the affected regions, particularly North Carolina, are anticipated to reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. Additionally, officials have heightened warnings about severe rip currents, urging beachgoers to avoid swimming due to life-threatening conditions.
Ongoing Flooding and Evacuations
Coastal flooding is becoming a critical concern. Roads in locales like Buxton, North Carolina, are already flooded, and Highway 12 has been closed due to storm surge. Evacuation orders have been issued for the Hatteras and Ocracoke communities as a precautionary measure. A state of emergency has been declared in North Carolina, allowing for swift resource allocation and federal disaster assistance requests.
Projected Strengthening and Warnings
The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Hurricane Erin could intensify into a major hurricane, with winds potentially reaching 120 mph before a significant weakening is expected around Thursday night or Friday. The storm’s wind field stretches up to 320 miles, affecting a wide area of the Atlantic coast.
The National Weather Service has warned that coastal flooding will worsen, particularly during high tides. Rescues have already been conducted in North Carolina as emergency management teams remain prepared for urgent responses to the storm’s fallout.
Impact on Recreation and Commerce
Significant erosion and sand accumulation have been reported on numerous beaches, leading several states, including New York and New Jersey, to close their beaches to swimming. Consequently, many cruise lines are rerouting to avoid the storm, causing disruptions for passengers. Meanwhile, local businesses in coastal areas report only minor impacts as of now, although residents staying behind are gearing up for the storm’s arrival.
A buoy near the Outer Banks has recorded a staggering 40-foot wave, with the potential for individual waves to be double that height, indicative of the storm’s formidable power. The high likelihood of rip currents and hazardous surf is expected to persist through the weekend.
Conclusion
In summary, Hurricane Erin is posing a significant threat to the U.S. East Coast, particularly in North Carolina, with widespread advisories and warnings in place. Millions of people are affected as they prepare for flooding, beach closures, and potential evacuations.
FAQs
What category is Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is classified as a Category 2 storm.
How many people are under flood advisories?
Approximately 32 million people are under coastal flood advisories along the East Coast.
What actions are authorities taking in response to Hurricane Erin?
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in North Carolina, issued evacuation orders, and closed certain roads due to flooding.
What are the expected wave heights during the storm?
Waves are expected to reach heights of 15 to 20 feet, with some recorded as high as 40 feet.
Key Stats
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Category | 2 |
| Sustained Winds | 110 mph |
| Waves Height | 15-20 feet (up to 40 feet recorded) |
| People Under Flood Advisories | 32 million |
| States with Evacuations | North Carolina |
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Axios: Hurricane Erin Impact on NC
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- BBC: Hurricane Erin Coverage
- 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.
