North Carolina, October 11, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina is facing a high surf advisory and mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Erin, a high-end Category 2 hurricane. The advisory includes large waves of 7 to 11 feet and potential flooding in coastal and low-lying areas. Authorities have declared local states of emergency, especially for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, as dangerous conditions and high winds are expected. Rip currents pose additional dangers along the East Coast, prompting officials to advise caution.
North Carolina is currently under a high surf advisory and mandatory evacuations ahead of Hurricane Erin, which is classified as a high-end Category 2 hurricane. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport/Morehead City NC issued this advisory at 7:59 p.m. on Friday, with its validity running from Saturday at 11 a.m. until Monday at 8 a.m. for the Northern Outer Banks.
The advisory forecasts large breaking waves ranging from 7 to 11 feet, posing life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions during the weekend. In addition to this advisory, a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect, predicting that low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways could see 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level. Although the risk of property damage due to flooding is considered low, affected areas may include roads, parking lots, parks, lawns, and adjacent homes.
As Hurricane Erin approaches, evacuations are currently taking place along the Outer Banks due to the anticipated storm surge. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall, it poses a significant threat to the East Coast with dangerous coastal conditions and potential flood-related challenges. The NWS has warned that the impacts begin as early as late Wednesday, with expected coastal flooding and rip currents.
Extreme beach and coastal damage are anticipated, particularly along the oceanside, as large dangerous waves may inundate and destroy protective dune structures. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina. In Hatteras Island, major portions of Highway 12 could become impassable for several days due to coastal flooding, with predicted winds of up to 60 mph and waves reaching as high as 20 feet.
Dare and Hyde counties have declared local states of emergency, enforcing mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. High tides are expected to coincide with Hurricane Erin’s impacts, increasing the risk of flooding, which may push up to 4 feet of storm surge onto the Outer Banks. The combination of wind and wave activity raises serious concerns regarding coastal erosion and substantial inland flooding.
Currently, a tropical storm warning is also in effect for the middle of North Carolina’s coast up to Duck, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Authorities are closely monitoring high risks of rip currents along the East Coast, with numerous water rescues reported. In Wrightsville Beach, officials have advised against entering the ocean due to these dangerous conditions, with around 90 rip current rescues documented.
Additional areas in the Atlantic are being monitored for potential tropical development following Hurricane Erin, as the storm continues to impact coastal regions with hazardous weather conditions.
FAQ
What is the duration of the high surf advisory in North Carolina?
The advisory is valid from Saturday at 11 a.m. until Monday at 8 a.m. for Northern Outer Banks.
What wave heights are expected during the advisory?
Large breaking waves of 7 to 11 feet are expected in the surf zone.
What areas are under mandatory evacuation?
Dare and Hyde counties have enforced mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| High Surf Advisory Duration | Valid from Saturday at 11 a.m. until Monday at 8 a.m. |
| Expected Wave Heights | 7 to 11 feet |
| Storm Type | High-End Category 2 Hurricane |
| Mandatory Evacuations | Dare and Hyde counties for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands |
| Wind Speeds | Up to 60 mph |
| Storm Surge Potential | Up to 4 feet |
| Tropical Storm Warning Area | Middle of North Carolina’s coast up to Duck |
| Rip Current Rescues | Around 90 reported |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Storm Threatens Outer Banks This Weekend
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Hurricanes Cause Severe Damage in Buxton, NC
Tropical Storm Imelda Strengthens, Impacting Southeastern U.S.
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Coastal Flood Watch Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Tropical Storm Imelda Approaching North Carolina Coast
High Surf Advisory Issued for Outer Banks Amid Hurricane Erin
Coastal Flood Advisory for Northern Outer Banks Amid Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- CBS17
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2023)
- Fox Weather
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- WDBJ7
- Google News: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
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.
