Hatteras, North Carolina, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin, now a Category 3 hurricane, has prompted mandatory evacuations for residents of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands in North Carolina. With waves exceeding 20 feet and maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, officials have declared a state of emergency. Coastal erosion and potential isolation of communities are major concerns, as infrastructure damage is anticipated. Residents are advised to evacuate and avoid ocean activities due to dangerous conditions.

Hatteras, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations

Hurricane Erin is poised to impact the Outer Banks of North Carolina, prompting officials to order evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The storm, which has dropped from a Category 4 to a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to generate dangerous waves exceeding 20 feet (>6 meters), raising fears of significant coastal erosion and the potential isolation of villages.

Residents of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, home to approximately 3,500 individuals, are facing mandatory evacuations, with visitors required to leave Hatteras Island immediately. As the impact of Erin looms, officials have declared a state of emergency for the coastal region, anticipating that parts of the Outer Banks could become inaccessible for days or even weeks due to damage to infrastructure, particularly along NC 12 highway.

Erin’s maximum sustained winds are clocking in at 125 mph. Although the hurricane is projected to remain hundreds of miles offshore, its effects will be keenly felt along the coastline. With hurricane conditions expected, towns in the Outer Banks are particularly vulnerable due to weaker sand dunes resulting from the past five years of storms. The National Hurricane Center has warned that the approaching system poses a risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, the Bermuda area, and parts of Atlantic Canada.

This week alone, the southern coast of North Carolina recorded at least 75 rescues from dangerous rip currents, signaling the already precarious situation prior to Hurricane Erin’s arrival. In light of these dangers, both residents and tourists are strongly advised to steer clear of ocean activities as the storm moves closer.

The Outer Banks, known for their tourism, generate about $2 billion annually in revenue. Past hurricanes, including Isabell in 2003 and Irene in 2011, inflicted extensive damage on the area, with lasting impacts such as severe flooding and extended ferry transportation needs. Many residents now find themselves weighing the risks of leaving versus potentially being stranded if they choose to stay during the storm. The emotions surrounding these decisions are high given Erin’s unpredictable nature.

Along with the threat posed by Erin, a tropical storm warning is also in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas, where as much as 8 inches of rain is forecasted. Forecasters are closely monitoring additional disturbances in the Atlantic, which may develop into more storms later this season.

In the days leading up to the hurricane strike, areas south of Oregon Inlet are at greatest risk, with officials bracing for strong winds of 40 to 60 mph, significant flooding, and erosive waves. Hurricane Erin’s strengthening over the weekend can be attributed to unusually warm ocean waters, raising concerns about the implications of climate change on the intensity and frequency of storms.

With all indications pointing towards serious weather disturbances in the coming days, Hatteras and Ocracoke communities are refreshing preparations for safety, property protection, and emergency response while anticipating the challenges that Hurricane Erin is likely to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hurricane Erin Weakens, Still Threatens East Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4: North Carolina Prepares for Impact
Dare County Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin Approaches
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

Additional Resources

• Axios: Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• CNN: Hurricane Erin Tracking
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin
• USA Today: Hurricane Erin Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
• AP News: Hurricane Erin Outer Banks
• Google News: Hurricane Erin
• Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Impacts

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.