Hatteras, North Carolina, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin, a category 2 storm, has prompted mandatory evacuations and road closures in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. With maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the effects are felt along most East Coast beaches, leading to dangerous surf and rip current conditions. More than 2,200 people have been evacuated, while highway 12 remains closed due to hazardous conditions. Emergency teams have been deployed, and the ongoing impact of climate change adds to the vulnerabilities faced by the coastal communities in the region.
Hatteras, North Carolina – Hurricane Erin, a category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, has been significantly affecting North Carolina’s Outer Banks, leading to mandatory evacuations and road closures. The storm is not forecasted to make landfall in the United States, but its impact is felt along most US East Coast beaches, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the islands of Hatteras and Ocracoke. Since these orders took effect, more than 2,200 people have been evacuated by the state’s ferry system. Highway 12, the primary roadway connecting the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village, has also been closed due to dangerous conditions, further complicating the evacuation efforts and limiting access to the affected areas.
Hurricane Erin is described as unusually large, with tropical storm winds extending up to 500 miles from its center. Along the Atlantic seaboard, waves reaching heights of up to 30 feet have been reported, intensifying the risks for coastal communities. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has warned locals and visitors alike about the serious nature of the storm, advising against any ocean activities during this time.
In preparation for potential emergencies arising from Hurricane Erin, state officials have deployed three swift-water rescue teams and composed 200 National Guard troops. Despite evacuation orders, some locals have opted to remain in Hatteras, citing their readiness and belief that they can handle the impending impacts of the storm.
Dare County facilities have resumed normal operations following the storm’s impact. However, Highway 12, which has faced continuous challenges due to storm damage, yearly maintenance costs average around $1 million. Since 2012, over $43 million has been spent to address damage inflicted by storms on this critical infrastructure.
The challenges posed by Hurricane Erin compound existing issues related to coastal erosion in the Outer Banks, where significant beach area has been lost over the years. Since 1980, homes have been lost to the sea, with eleven structures in Rodanthe reported to have collapsed due to previous storms and erosion. Experts point to climate change as a significant factor deteriorating the area’s resilience, making it increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes and rising sea levels.
The impacts and disruptions from Hurricane Erin serve as a stark reminder of the dangers coastal communities face during the hurricane season, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and disaster preparedness in the region.
FAQ
Hurricane Erin is currently classified as a category 2 storm.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
No, Hurricane Erin is not forecasted to make landfall in the United States.
There are life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along most US East Coast beaches.
Over 2,200 people have been evacuated from the Outer Banks.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin’s Impact
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Category | Category 2 |
| Maximum Winds | 105 mph |
| Tropical Storm Wind Radius | 500 miles |
| Wave Heights | Up to 30 feet |
| Evacuations | More than 2,200 people |
| National Guard Deployment | 200 troops |
| Swift-Water Rescue Teams | 3 teams |
| Highway 12 Status | Closed due to dangerous conditions |
| Public Services Status | Resumed normal operations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hazardous Beach Conditions in North Carolina Due to Hurricane Erin
Urgent Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Outer Banks
Hatteras Island, North Carolina Faces Hurricane Erin’s Aftermath Ahead of Labor Day Weekend
Hurricane Erin Causes Significant Damage in Outer Banks
Severe Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure in Outer Banks
Celebrated Chef Dominick Lee: A Culinary Journey Through Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Erin Leaves Significant Impact on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens After Hurricane Erin Cleanup
Hurricane Erin Causes Severe Flooding in Outer Banks
Hatteras Island Evacuation Orders Lifted After Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: Why North Carolina’s Outer Banks Get So Much Damage from So Many Storms
- CBS17: NC 12 Stretch Still Closed at Outer Banks
- ABC11: Hurricane Erin Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
