Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin is approaching the Northern Outer Banks, prompting a high surf advisory and mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The National Weather Service has predicted breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet and potential coastal flooding, with inundation expected up to 4 feet. Residents are warned about life-threatening surf conditions and advised to take necessary precautions. The hurricane, currently a Category 2 storm, threatens high winds and coastal erosion despite not making landfall.
Outer Banks, North Carolina – A high surf advisory and evacuation orders have been issued for the Northern Outer Banks as Hurricane Erin approaches, posing serious threats to life and property. As of 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City NC announced that the advisory is effective until Monday at 8 p.m., predicting breaking waves between 8 to 12 feet along the surf zone.
In addition to the high surf advisory, a Coastal Flood Advisory has been put in place, warning of potential inundation up to 4 feet above ground level near shorelines and tidal waterways. The NWS has cautioned residents that property damage is likely around high tide, with flooding expected to extend inland, impacting homes and businesses. Road closures and vehicle flooding may occur due to the coastal flooding, further complicating the situation.
As swimming and surfing conditions are deemed life-threatening during the advisory, residents are urged to take precautions. The public is advised to protect flood-prone properties and avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Furthermore, a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect, highlighting the risks of rip currents and longshore currents.
Mandatory evacuations have begun for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, with over 2,200 people already evacuated via the state’s ferry system. Reports indicate that several beaches along the Outer Banks have closed in anticipation of Hurricane Erin’s impact. The hurricane, which is currently a Category 2 storm, threatens the East Coast with strong winds, high waves, and dangerous coastal conditions, although it is not expected to make landfall.
Wind speeds in the Outer Banks could reach up to 60 mph, with waves potentially topping 20 feet along the coast. A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina, indicating that residents should remain vigilant as coastal erosion and flooding are likely. The advisory will remain in effect through Friday night, with peak conditions expected from Wednesday into Thursday.
The ongoing threat of coastal erosion remains critical, particularly in areas such as Rodanthe, where several homes are already at risk due to high waves and erosion. Since 2020, 11 homes in the region have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean because of similar conditions. This persistent issue has led to historical structures like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse being relocated inland to avoid destruction.
Experts are warning that erosion, exacerbated by climate change and storms like Hurricane Erin, increases the risk for oceanfront properties in North Carolina, putting many structures in jeopardy as severe weather events become more frequent.
Key Advisory Information
- Advisory Status: High Surf Advisory until Monday 8 p.m.
- Expected Wave Heights: 8 to 12 feet
- Coastal Flood Advisory: Up to 4 feet inundation
- Evacuation Orders: Mandatory for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands
- Wind Speeds: Up to 60 mph
- Time Frame: Advisory in effect through Friday night
Background on Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin currently poses a serious threat to the East Coast of the United States. While it is not expected to make landfall, the storm is projected to create dangerous coastal conditions and rip currents. The situation highlights the ongoing risks associated with hurricanes and rising sea levels due to climate change, underscoring vulnerability in coastal regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the high surf advisory for?
- A high surf advisory has been issued for the Northern Outer Banks due to expected breaking waves between 8 to 12 feet.
- What should residents do during the advisory?
- Residents are advised to protect flood-prone properties, avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and refrain from swimming or surfing.
- What evacuation orders are in place?
- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, with over 2,200 individuals evacuated via the state’s ferry system.
- How is Hurricane Erin impacting the region?
- The storm is producing strong winds and high waves, creating life-threatening conditions and possible property damage in the Outer Banks.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Status | High Surf Advisory until Monday 8 p.m. |
| Expected Wave Heights | 8 to 12 feet |
| Coastal Flood Advisory | Up to 4 feet inundation |
| Evacuation Orders | Mandatory for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands |
| Wind Speeds | Up to 60 mph |
| Advisory Duration | Through Friday night |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Storm Expected to Impact North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Flood Warning Issued for Northern Outer Banks
High Wind Warning Issued for Northern Outer Banks, NC
Ocracoke Island Highway Closure Due to Severe Weather
Severe Erosion Crisis Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Nine Oceanfront Homes in Buxton Collapse into Atlantic Ocean
Coastal Erosion Causes Collapse of Homes in Buxton
Severe Erosion Causes House Collapses in Outer Banks
Mandatory Evacuations in North Carolina Ahead of Hurricane Erin
Six Homes Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Herald Sun
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- News Observer
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin
- Charlotte Observer
- 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.
