Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 19, 2025
News Summary
A Virginia family had to abandon their last-minute beach vacation rental in the Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin. After just unloading their car, they received evacuation alerts, forcing an emotional departure. Despite the turmoil, the family sought refuge in Kill Devil Hills to salvage their vacation. Hurricane Erin, classified as a category 2 storm, prompted significant evacuations and state of emergency declarations in North Carolina, impacting over 2,000 residents and raising concerns about flooding and hazardous surf.
Virginia
A Virginia family was forced to abandon their last-minute beach vacation rental in North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin. Victoria Murray and her family had just unloaded their car when mandatory evacuation alerts were issued, leading to an emotional upheaval. Murray described the situation as devastating, particularly after the family’s extensive planning and grocery shopping for the trip.
The family had booked their Outer Banks vacation only days prior, selecting the location as a safe getaway. Unfortunately, their 3-year-old daughter, Ruth, was particularly distraught, crying at the news of their forced departure, while their 6-month-old son, Joshua, remained unaware of the chaos around them.
Faced with having to leave their initial destination, the family opted not to drive all the way back to Virginia. Instead, they discovered a new rental in Kill Devil Hills, located approximately an hour and a half north. Locals indicated that Kill Devil Hills might not require evacuation, which provided some relief to the family. They were determined to make memories together, emphasizing the importance of family time, even in stressful circumstances.
Murray faced criticism online for choosing to vacation during a hurricane warning, but she justified their decision by citing financial commitments and the need for a family getaway. Hurricane Erin, categorized as a category 2 storm, exhibited winds reaching 105 mph and was situated about 690 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras at the time. The storm was moving northwest at 9 mph and was anticipated to veer out into the Atlantic later that week.
A storm surge warning was issued from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina, with predictions of water levels rising by 2 to 4 feet. In response to the storm, evacuations were ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, affecting over 2,000 residents. Additionally, the main roadway, N.C. 12, faced closures due to dangerous conditions, with some areas submerged underwater.
Residents in the area were urged to remain vigilant as storm conditions continued to pose threats, including flooding and hazardous surf. The National Hurricane Center was concurrently monitoring two other tropical waves in the Atlantic, one of which had a 60% chance of developing into a depression.
Coastal communities along the U.S. East Coast prepared for dangerous rip currents and flooding as a result of Hurricane Erin’s influence. The hurricane’s outer bands were already producing significant rainfall and rough surf in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. In reaction to these developments, North Carolina’s governor declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources to assist the affected areas.
Tourists were seen evacuating the Outer Banks in anticipation of the storm, although some residents chose to remain, citing their longstanding ties to the community. The National Weather Service cautioned that parts of coastal North Carolina could experience flooding and substantial surf impacts throughout the week. Hazardous beach conditions persisted along the entire East Coast, prompting advisories for residents to avoid entering the water.
Beach closures occurred in New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, primarily caused by high surf and rip current warnings. Urban regions, including Long Island and sections of New York City, were on high alert for moderate coastal flooding. Weather forecasters warned that Hurricane Erin could potentially regain strength and revert to a major hurricane status as it moved northeastward over the Atlantic. Meteorologists commented on a trend indicating that climate change increases the probability of hurricanes intensifying rapidly.
FAQs
What caused a Virginia family to cancel their beach trip?
A Virginia family was forced to abandon their last-minute beach vacation rental in North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin.
What was the impact of Hurricane Erin on the Outer Banks?
Evacuations were ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, affecting over 2,000 residents, and a storm surge warning was issued from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina.
How did the family adapt to the evacuation situation?
After deciding against driving all the way home, they found a new rental in Kill Devil Hills, an hour and a half north.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | 2 |
| Wind Speed | 105 mph |
| Distance from Cape Hatteras | 690 miles south-southeast |
| Storm Movement | Northwest at 9 mph |
| Percieved Threat | Flooding and hazardous surf |
| State of Emergency | North Carolina |
| Evacuations | Hatteras and Ocracoke islands |
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Additional Resources
- Surfer: Hurricane Erin Damage in Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- KSLA: Hurricane Erin Threatens East Coast
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2025
- CBS News: Hurricane Erin Evacuations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Tracker
- Google News: Hurricane Erin August 2025
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.
