Outer Banks, North Carolina, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, now a Post-Tropical Cyclone, has caused flooding and damage along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, prompting evacuations and infrastructure challenges. The storm triggered mandatory evacuations on several islands and led to the closure of NC Highway 12. Emergency measures, including the mobilization of National Guard troops, were taken to ensure public safety as the storm left behind hazardous ocean conditions that prevented swimming. While conditions are improving, the risk associated with coastal storms remains a concern for residents and officials.
Hurricane Erin Leaves Significant Impact on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Prompts Evacuations and Water Warnings
Nags Head, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin has moved away from the North Carolina coast and is now classified as a Post-Tropical Cyclone. Although the storm has weakened significantly, it has left a trail of flooding and destruction along the Outer Banks as it affected the region from Wednesday night into Thursday.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Erin was approximately 260 miles east of Cape Hatteras on Thursday morning, moving north-northeast at 18 mph. The storm, which had previously reached a Category 2 classification with sustained winds of about 100 mph, has stirred dangerous waves and rip currents along North Carolina’s beaches.
As a precaution, evacuation orders were issued for several islands within the Outer Banks, particularly Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, where a mandatory evacuation took effect starting Tuesday morning. NC Highway 12, a crucial connection for the region, was closed Wednesday night due to increasing surge levels and high waves, stranding residents and visitors.
To ensure public safety, approximately 200 National Guard troops along with three swift water rescue teams were mobilized along the coast in advance of the storm. These emergency preparations were crucial, particularly considering that at least 75 individuals were rescued from rip currents at Wrightsville Beach by Tuesday.
Rainfall and storm surge predictions also caused issues for transportation and infrastructure. While heavy rain affected areas in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, North Carolina officials warned of potential storm surge heights reaching 24 feet. Coastal erosion remains a longstanding issue, with two houses in Rodanthe precariously positioned due to erosion and eleven others having fallen into the surf over the past five years.
Emergency Measures and State Response
In anticipation of Hurricane Erin, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency. Sustained winds of 45 mph and gusts of 54 mph were recorded at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. Though the storm caused significant disturbances, the impact on infrastructure has not been extensive, with no significant damage to homes or new inlets reported.
As conditions began to improve, beaches in North Carolina and parts of New York, including Long Island and New Jersey, reopened. However, rough ocean conditions continued to linger, prompting local officials to prohibit swimming at several beaches due to hazardous conditions.
As the hurricane season continues, Erin was preceded by four tropical storms, including Tropical Storm Chantal, which had caused flooding and fatalities in North Carolina. It is essential to note that nationwide, at least 27 individuals have lost their lives due to rip currents this year, underscoring the dangers associated with beach conditions.
Living with Storm Threats
The Outer Banks are known for their vulnerability to erosion and storm surges, which can damage highways and local ecosystems. The coastal environment remains a concern for both residents and local authorities as they continue to prepare for and respond to future storms.
As of now, residents and property owners on Highway 12 have been allowed to return after it was reopened, signaling a gradual return to normalcy following Hurricane Erin’s impact.
FAQ
What category was Hurricane Erin when it initially made landfall?
Hurricane Erin initially reached Category 5 strength with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph before weakening to Category 2.
What safety measures were taken during Hurricane Erin?
Evacuation orders were issued for certain islands, and approximately 200 National Guard troops were mobilized along the coast along with swift water rescue teams.
What areas did Hurricane Erin impact the most?
The hurricane primarily affected North Carolina’s Outer Banks, causing flooding, dangerous waves, and closures of NC Highway 12.
How many people were rescued due to the dangerous conditions?
At least 75 individuals were rescued from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach.
What is the current status of NC Highway 12?
NC Highway 12 has been reopened, allowing residents and property owners to return.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin’s Impact
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Category | Initially Category 5, weakened to Category 2 |
| Max Sustained Winds | 160 mph (initial) / 100 mph (current) |
| Evacuation Orders | Issued for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island |
| Highway Closures | NC Highway 12 closed due to surge and wave activity |
| National Guard Mobilization | 200 troops and swift water rescue teams deployed |
| Rescues | 75 individuals rescued from rip currents |
| Current Status | Highway 12 reopened; beaches in NC and NY reopened |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Damage in Rodanthe
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin
Precautionary Swimming Advisory Issued for Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island Safe for Travel After Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Coastal Flooding Along East Coast
N.C. Highway 12 Closed Due to Hurricane Erin Impact
Hurricane Erin Triggers State of Emergency and Evacuations
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin Delivers Heavy Swells and Strong Winds to U.S. East Coast
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: NC 12 Travel Impacts from Hurricane Erin
- WRAL: Beaches Reopen in New York and North Carolina
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Forecasted to Bring Life-Threatening Conditions
- CNN: Tracking Hurricane Erin in the Atlantic Season
- Wikipedia: 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.
