Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, is moving north in the Atlantic Ocean and threatening the North Carolina Outer Banks with dangerous storm surge and strong winds.
Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency. It is causing large waves as it moves closer to the shore. Tropical storm and storm search warnings are in place along much of the North Carolina coastline.
Evacuations Ordered For Outer Banks Islands
Residents and tourists on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands have been told to evacuate due to the risk from the hurricane. These islands see a larger summer population, making the evacuation very important for safety.
Local ferries have already moved more than 2220 people to Ocracoke, with the final sailing scheduled for Wednesday morning. Ferries to Hatteras continue for the longest conditions allow. Some locals like Chris Styron, manager of the Pony Island Inn, have chosen to sta,y citing experience with storms.
Hurricane Strength and Expected Impact
Hurricane Erin is a category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph. Tropical storm force winds extend up to 265 miles from the storm’s center, while hurricane force winds cover 90 Miles. The National Hurricane Center warns that waves may reach up to 20 feet, causing beach erosion and making roads impassible on low-lying islands. Along the East Coast, dangerous rip currents and high surf are expected.
New Jersey beaches from Cape May to Sandy Hook are closed for swimming. New York City has also shut all public beaches, including Coney Island and Brighton Beach. Coastal beach flooding is expected to occur during high tide.
Safety precautions
Authorities urged residents and visitors to:
- Avoid all water activities along with the affected beaches
- Follow evacuation orders if they are issued in your area
- Secure homes and property before the storm hits
Even though the eye of hurricane Erin is expected to stay offshore, the National Hurricane Center, the conditions remain dangerous along much of the East Coast.
FAQs
- What category is hurricane Erin?Â
Hurricane Erin is a category 2 hurricane with winds of 100 mph.
- Which areas are under evacuation orders?
Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands and North Carolina, Outer Banks are under mandatory evacuation.
- How high are waves expected to reach?
Waves may reach up to 20 feet along the North Carolina coast.
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