North Carolina, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin has moved away from North Carolina but continues to pose a threat to the East Coast with powerful waves and flooding in several areas. Classified as a Category 2 hurricane, it has maximum winds of 105 mph and is forecasted to weaken. Key locations at risk for flooding include Duck, North Carolina, and parts of Delaware. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered, and authorities warn about hazardous conditions at beaches.
Hurricane Erin Threatens East Coast with Flooding and Dangerous Conditions as It Moves Away from North Carolina
Hurricane Erin drifted away from the U.S. mainland on Thursday afternoon after approaching the North Carolina coast. Despite moving away, Erin continued to unleash powerful waves and rip currents, threatening beachfront homes and flooding roads. Authorities advised people to stay out of the water due to the hazardous conditions.
Erin was classified as a large Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. The hurricane made a turn to the northeast and was forecasted to gradually weaken into a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday. As of 11 p.m. ET, Erin was passing between New England and Bermuda. The National Hurricane Center noted that Erin is a “very large system” that will affect the Atlantic coast up to southeastern Canada.
Major flooding was predicted for more than half a dozen locations along the mid-Atlantic coast, particularly in Duck, North Carolina, Chesapeake Bay, and Lewes, Delaware. The National Weather Service warned of significant threats to life and property due to potential flooding requiring evacuations. Tides in Chesapeake Bay at the Bay Bridge Tunnel were forecasted to reach heights of 6 feet, posing a significant flooding risk.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency and initiated local states of emergency in Dare and Hyde Counties. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands. The state deployed three swift water rescue teams and mobilized 200 National Guard members for assistance. Residents were encouraged to stay informed through trusted news sources and prepare disaster kits for potential evacuations.
Highway 12 on Hatteras Island was completely submerged due to the storm surge. At least 75 people required rescues from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Water conditions remained dangerous along East Coast beaches, with swimming restrictions in place due to rip currents. Coastal flooding from large waves and tropical-storm-force winds were expected for much of North Carolina’s shoreline. The Outer Banks faced a significant threat from Hurricane Erin, particularly with a forecast for waves of 15 to 20 feet.
Authorities prohibited swimming on beaches in Ocean City, Maryland, and other affected areas along the East Coast. Evacuations were in place amidst the height of tourist season on the Outer Banks. Official warnings of rip currents were issued from Bermuda to Florida and up to the New England coast. Government agencies expressed concerns over funding and preparedness for future hurricanes amid budget disputes. The federal Department of Homeland Security was reportedly delayed in distributing disaster preparedness grants. Governor Stein noted the importance of traditional news sources for accurate information, discouraging reliance on social media.
FAQ
What is Hurricane Erin’s current status?
Hurricane Erin drifted away from the U.S. mainland on Thursday afternoon after approaching the North Carolina coast. Erin was classified as a large Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
What areas are expected to experience flooding?
Major flooding was predicted for more than half a dozen locations along the mid-Atlantic coast, particularly in Duck, North Carolina, Chesapeake Bay, and Lewes, Delaware.
What precautions have been taken in North Carolina?
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency and initiated local states of emergency in Dare and Hyde Counties. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Classification | Category 2 Hurricane |
| Maximum Wind Speeds | 105 mph |
| Forecasted Path | Northeast towards Bermuda and New England |
| Areas Affected by Flooding | Duck, North Carolina; Chesapeake Bay; Lewes, Delaware |
| Tidal Height Risks | 6 feet forecasted in Chesapeake Bay |
| Evacuations | Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands |
| Rescues from Rip Currents | At least 75 people in Wrightsville Beach |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Record House Collapses Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Hurricane Erin Update
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- WRAL: After Erin – Hurricane Preparedness
- BBC: Hurricane Erin’s Impact
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Tropical Storm Warning
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin News
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.
