South Carolina, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin has been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane after briefly reaching Category 5. The storm poses significant risks with high surf and rip currents along the East Coast, particularly for South Carolina and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where evacuation orders have been issued. Dangerous conditions are expected to develop starting Monday night and continue through Thursday, with officials urging the public to heed safety warnings.

Charleston

Hurricane Erin, which briefly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, has been downgraded to a Category 4. As it moves along the East Coast, significant impacts are expected, particularly for the beaches of South Carolina in the coming days. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that while Erin will remain offshore, it will still generate dangerous surf and rip current conditions beginning Monday night and continuing through Thursday.

The forecast predicts that Erin will pass east of the Bahamas and shift northwest toward the United States. As the storm develops, an enhanced risk of rip currents is anticipated for most of the week. Monday will see a moderate risk of rip currents along South Carolina’s beaches, but conditions are expected to worsen on Tuesday with a high rip current risk. Tuesday’s surf heights are predicted to reach between 5 and 7 feet.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are predicted to face the worst impacts from Hurricane Erin. In preparation for the severe weather, Dare County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island due to potential 20-foot waves, which could wash out roads and damage local beaches.

Over the weekend, Hurricane Erin rapidly strengthened, increasing from sustained winds of 85 mph to 140 mph within 24 hours. This swift intensification is only surpassed in history by three other Atlantic hurricanes. As of Saturday evening, Erin was located approximately 125 miles east of Antigua and 155 miles from Puerto Rico.

The current forecasts maintain that Hurricane Erin will continue to be a dangerous major hurricane through at least mid-week. As meteorologists monitor the storm, they also note a westward-moving tropical wave that has a 50% chance of forming into a cyclone later this week.

Anticipated Impacts on the East Coast

Expected impacts include increased rip current risks and rough surf that could affect beaches in South Carolina and may reach as far north as New Hampshire. A peak heat index of 100 to 105 degrees is forecasted for Monday, adding to the dangers posed by Erin.

Current Conditions and Warnings

As of now, tropical storm warnings and watches have been issued for parts of the northern Caribbean, including Turks and Caicos. However, no tropical watches or warnings are currently affecting the mainland United States. Meteorologists expect Erin to gradually make a turn northward early next week, with varying levels of impact along the East Coast.

The National Weather Service continues to emphasize the life-threatening nature of the rip currents, particularly on Tuesday, where conditions will be most hazardous for beachgoers and swimmers. The public is urged to heed local warnings and advisories as the storm approaches.

Summary of Key Features

• Current Category: Category 4 hurricane
• Sustained Winds: 140 mph
• Expected Impacts: High surf, dangerous rip currents, and overwash
• Evacuations: Mandatory for Hatteras Island
• Weather Forecast: Moderate to High rip current risks; Surf heights of 5 to 7 feet
• Storm Proximity: 125 miles east of Antigua, 155 miles from Puerto Rico

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Local Surfers Brace for Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Oconee and Anderson County
Hurricane Erin Downgraded: Important Updates
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4, Threatening the U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4: A Closer Look
Flood Warnings Issued in Charleston as Heavy Rainfall Continues
Charleston, SC Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Charleston and Colleton Counties
Severe Thunderstorms Impact Upstate South Carolina
Clemson University Unveils Deep Orange 16 Rescue Vehicle

Additional Resources

• WLTX: Hurricane Erin Intensifies
• WYFF: Hurricane Erin Track and Evacuations
• The State: Hurricane Erin Local Coverage
• Greenville Online: Hurricane Erin Impact
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.