Outer Banks, North Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, classified as a Category 2 storm, poses a significant threat to North Carolina’s Outer Banks with winds reaching 110 mph. Evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands as dangerous conditions are expected, including waves up to 20 feet and potential flooding of 2 to 4 feet. Emergency teams are mobilized along the coast as rip currents result in numerous rescues.
Outer Banks, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin, currently classified as a Category 2 hurricane, poses a significant threat to North Carolina’s Outer Banks with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 mph (177 kph). As of now, Erin is approximately 215 miles (345 kilometers) southeast of Cape Hatteras and 485 miles (780 kilometers) west of Bermuda, moving northward at a speed of 16 mph (26 kph). The National Hurricane Center indicates that the hurricane may strengthen back into a major hurricane before beginning to weaken by Friday.
The approaching hurricane is expected to bring dangerous surf conditions and high winds to the East Coast. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday to mobilize essential state resources. Evacuations have been ordered for both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island due to the anticipated tropical storm-force winds.
The Outer Banks coastline could face waves reaching heights of 20 feet (6 meters) and an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain is expected by Thursday. Additionally, along the coastline, storm surge warnings have been issued with flooding potential of 2 to 4 feet in various coastal areas. High winds and subsequent flooding conditions are predicted for North Carolina by Wednesday night. The first signs of tropical storm conditions are expected to begin affecting the area shortly.
Warnings of dangerous rip currents have been issued from Bermuda down to Florida and further up into New England, including Nantucket, Massachusetts, where strong winds and waves up to 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) are predicted. In response to the increasing danger, New York City and New Jersey have prohibited swimming at local beaches due to the hazardous surf conditions.
Emergency response teams are already in action, with swift water rescue teams and personnel from the North Carolina National Guard positioned along the coast. Two CH-47 helicopters from neighboring states are also on standby to transport food and water if necessary. As of Tuesday, there have already been 75 rescues from rip currents reported at Wrightsville Beach, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the storm. Currently, this year has seen 27 fatalities in U.S. waters due to rip currents, with annual drownings exceeding 100 caused by similar conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued predictions for coastal flooding of 1 to 2 feet across New York City and portions of New Jersey, reinforcing the need for caution among residents and visitors. Officials have stressed the importance of avoiding swimming or accessing beaches as the storm approaches, especially given the recent increase in rescue operations.
In preparation for potential disasters, the state of North Carolina has initiated a request for a major disaster declaration aimed at procuring additional federal assistance for post-storm recovery efforts. Governor Stein stressed the importance of relying on official sources for updates regarding Hurricane Erin and not social media, as the situation continues to develop.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Category | Category 2 |
| Max Sustained Winds | 110 mph (177 kph) |
| Distance from Cape Hatteras | 215 miles (345 kilometers) southeast |
| Waves Threatened | Up to 20 feet (6 meters) |
| Rain Accumulation | 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) by Thursday |
| Storm Surge Flooding | 2 to 4 feet expected |
| Tropical Storm Conditions | Expected to begin Wednesday |
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is currently classified as a Category 2 hurricane.
What are the maximum sustained winds?
Hurricane Erin has maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (177 kph).
What areas are under evacuation orders?
Evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.
How high are the waves expected to be?
Waves along the North Carolina coast could reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters).
How many rescues have occurred due to rip currents?
There have been 75 rescues reported from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach as of Tuesday.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Panic in Dare County
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina, Threatening Coastal Communities
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Dare County
Hurricane Erin Forces Mandatory Evacuations in North Carolina
Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina with Mandatory Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Hits North Carolina as a Category 2 Storm
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations in Outer Banks, NC
Additional Resources
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Prompts Tropical Storm Warning
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- The New York Times: Hurricane Erin – Evacuations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- USA Today: Hurricane Erin Drone Footage
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Impact on East Coast
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.
