Hurricane Erin Batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Outer Banks, North Carolina, August 21, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm, is currently impacting North Carolina’s Outer Banks with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, while closing Highway 12 to safeguard residents and emergency teams. Threats of surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding have raised alarms, prompting the deployment of rescue teams and the National Guard. Officials warn of worsening conditions as the storm’s trajectory evolves, and beachgoers are urged to heed safety warnings amid the dangerous situation.

Hurricane Erin Batters North Carolina’s Outer Banks

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are currently under severe threat as Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm, unleashes maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (168 km/h) across the coastline. The National Hurricane Center has issued severe warnings, advising evacuation in areas most affected, including Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, where over 2,200 residents have been evacuated via the state’s ferry system.

As the storm continues to sway along the coastal region, the dangerous conditions prompted authorities to close Highway 12 on Hatteras Island to prevent further risk to residents and emergency services. Although Erin is not predicted to make direct landfall in the US, its reach is substantial, with tropical storm winds extending nearly 500 miles.

The National Hurricane Center has expressed concern over the life-threatening surf and rip currents and advises against swimming on most US East Coast beaches. Despite these warnings, there have been reports of beachgoers attempting to swim at Wrightsville Beach, resulting in at least 60 rescues from rip currents.

Current Conditions and Preparedness

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has called for urgency around preparedness for worsening weather conditions. The potential for coastal flooding is high, with significant waves up to 30 ft (9.14m) surfacing along the Atlantic seaboard. Obligation for evacuation has led to the deployment of three swift-water rescue teams and 200 National Guard troops on standby to assist should conditions escalate.

The state of emergency declared by officials enables resources to be mobilized effectively as coastal flooding is projected, estimating a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet on the Outer Banks. Governor Stein highlighted the need for residents to remain informed as conditions could deteriorate rapidly.

Meanwhile, meteorologists assert that Hurricane Erin may strengthen further before starting to weaken by Friday. Even so, forecast models suggest that Erin could maintain hurricane status into the weekend, posing an ongoing threat to coastal communities.

Background Context

As Hurricane Erin progressed through the Caribbean, it has already inflicted heavy rains in Puerto Rico. Now moving northward, the storm’s trajectory and intensity cast a serious threat over North Carolina. It’s essential for locals and visitors alike to heed warnings and adjust their plans, as the storm’s current strength and unpredictability continue to create hazardous conditions.

State officials continue to monitor the storm’s progress while also urging those in affected areas to avoid entering the water. Community leaders stress the importance of taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety as Hurricane Erin bears down on the Outer Banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• NBC News: Hurricane Erin Prompts Tropical Storm Warning in North Carolina
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• Fox Weather: Hurricane Erin Impacts on the East Coast
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin
• USA Today: Drone Footage of Hurricane Erin’s Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane

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.