Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin is intensifying as it approaches the North Carolina coast with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. Mandatory evacuations are underway for the Outer Banks, including Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, due to threats of coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents. A local state of emergency has been declared, with precautionary measures in place to protect residents. Forecasters anticipate dangerous weather, including rainfall up to 2 inches and a potential storm surge of 6 feet, stressing the importance of safety and timely evacuations.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin has intensified as it approaches the North Carolina coast, now classified as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and gusts reaching up to 125 mph. The hurricane is currently moving north-northwest at a speed of 12 mph, and it is projected to make its closest approach to the Outer Banks on either Wednesday or Thursday.
In anticipation of severe weather conditions, mandatory evacuations were ordered on Monday and Tuesday for parts of the Outer Banks, including Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. These evacuations are crucial due to threats posed by dangerous rip currents and the potential for flooding from waves that may exceed 15 feet. The National Hurricane Center reported that Erin has weakened slightly from a previous status of Category 3, where it had sustained winds of 120 mph.
A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for the Outer Banks and nearby coastal areas. Coastal flooding is expected to commence on Tuesday and persist through Thursday, impacting local infrastructure significantly.
Evacuation Orders and Local Preparedness
The Dare County authorities have implemented a local state of emergency, reinforcing the evacuation order for various communities including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Recent hydrographic reports have suggested a likely onset of dangerous rip currents, leading to over 60 swimmers being rescued along the coast on Monday.
Weather forecasts predict rainfall amounts could reach up to 2 inches, accompanied by sustained winds of 50 mph and a storm surge of as much as 6 feet from today through late Thursday. Officials have indicated that NC12 highway, a crucial route in the region, is at serious risk of becoming impassable due to damage and flooding already occurring from high tides.
Despite the evacuation orders, some residents on Hatteras Island have chosen to remain, citing personal experience from prior storms. However, emergency management officials stress that staying in place is highly risky, given the deteriorating conditions expected with the hurricane’s approach.
Emergency Response and Official Statements
In response to the hurricane’s trajectory, precautionary measures including the reinforcement of sand dunes have been taken, while all Dare County beaches have been closed to minimize risks to safety. The North Carolina Governor has also urged coastal residents to prepare for possible evacuation and declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to further facilitate the response efforts.
As Hurricane Erin continues its path, predictions indicate that it may maintain its hurricane strength as it moves northeast away from the coast late Wednesday into Thursday. Concerns remain regarding the vulnerability of Outer Banks communities to storm surges, particularly in light of ongoing coastal erosion influenced by climate change.
Decision-makers across the region emphasize the urgency of prompt evacuations, as conditions are anticipated to worsen significantly with the approaching storm. It remains imperative for residents and visitors alike to prioritize safety in the days to come.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is currently a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.
Where is Hurricane Erin expected to make landfall?
The storm is projected to make its closest approach to the North Carolina Outer Banks on Wednesday or Thursday.
What precautions are being taken for evacuations?
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for several areas including Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Precautionary measures such as reinforcing sand dunes and closing beaches have also been implemented.
What are the expected conditions during Hurricane Erin?
Forecasts warn of up to 2 inches of rainfall, winds of 50 mph, and a storm surge possibly reaching 6 feet, leading to significant coastal flooding.
Is it safe for residents to stay during the storm?
Emergency management officials warn that staying behind is risky due to severe conditions posed by the approaching hurricane and advise evacuation.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | 2 |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 100 mph |
| Predicted Wind Gusts | 125 mph |
| Projected Path | North-Northwest |
| Estimated Rainfall | Up to 2 inches |
| Expected Storm Surge | Up to 6 feet |
| Areas Under Evacuation | Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Maryland Beaches Closed Due to Hurricane Erin’s Threats
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Outer Banks, NC
Outer Banks, North Carolina Braces for Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations and Warnings Along U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Approaches Outer Banks, NC
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Hatteras, NC
Hurricane Erin Weakens, Still Threatens East Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4: North Carolina Prepares for Impact
Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- WRAL
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- ABC11
- Google News: 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.
