Charleston, SC, August 21, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Erin has intensified into a Category 2 storm with winds reaching 110 mph and is moving north along the Atlantic coast. While it is not expected to make landfall in South Carolina, coastal areas from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach face significant risks including high rip currents and dangerous wave conditions. Residents and visitors are urged to stay out of the water as advisories are issued, and the National Hurricane Center anticipates that Erin may regain Category 3 status offshore. Local weather will remain mostly dry with a chance of showers on Friday.

Charleston Braces for Hurricane Erin’s Impact

Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds reaching 110 mph, as it moves northward along the Atlantic coast. While the storm is not projected to make landfall on the South Carolina coast, coastal areas are under significant advisory due to hazardous conditions expected from the storm.

The National Hurricane Center reports that Erin is anticipated to regain Category 3 status as it progresses further along its path, which is expected to take it well offshore past the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Despite South Carolina not being in Erin’s direct trajectory, rip currents are of critical concern, with a high risk in effect from Hilton Head Island through Myrtle Beach. Red flags have been hoisted at local beaches as a warning to swimmers.

Coastal Warnings and Advisories

Residents and visitors along the coastal regions of South Carolina are strongly advised to stay out of the water until at least Friday afternoon. The vicinity is experiencing potential dangerous wave conditions and rip currents that can arise from distant storms offshore. Additionally, tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the Outer Banks, extending up to the New Jersey shore.

Forecast and Monitoring

Computer forecast models have recently adjusted, indicating that the storm’s center will likely remain offshore as it progresses. By Friday night, Erin is expected to weaken into a Category 1 hurricane, with winds diminishing to around 90 mph.

In addition to Hurricane Erin, meteorologists are observing two new disturbances in the Atlantic. One system near the northern Antilles has a 60% chance of development, while another system southwest of the Cape Verde Islands stands at a 40% chance of becoming a tropical system, which could be named Ferdinand.

Local Weather Outlook

Much of Columbia and the Midlands will see mostly dry weather conditions on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures climbing into the low 90s. However, cloud cover is expected to increase by Thursday afternoon, bringing a chance of scattered showers and storms into Friday. Weekend temperatures are anticipated to drop into the low to mid-80s, accompanied by rainfall.

By Monday, a warm-up will lead to milder weather, and a transition toward a cooler and drier pattern is expected on Tuesday, resulting in highs around the mid-80s and morning lows in the mid-60s for midweek.

Historical Context

It is vital for residents to remain cautious during hurricane season, especially as past storms have demonstrated that dangerous conditions can still occur without a storm making landfall. Rip currents and coastal erosion have caused significant damage and loss of life in previous hurricanes, illustrating the inherent risks despite geographic safety from a direct hit.

Summary of Hurricane Erin’s Features

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hurricane Erin Threatens Hilton Head Beaches
Hilton Head Island Faces Rip Current Danger as Hurricane Erin Approaches
North Carolina Faces Hurricane Erin’s Serious Threat
Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Approaches the U.S. East Coast
Hilton Head Beachgoers on Alert as Hurricane Erin Approaches
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Faces Erosion and Home Crises
Hurricane Erin Downgraded to Category 2 Amid Beach Closures
Hurricane Erin Threatens Hilton Head with High Surf
No-Swimming Advisory Issued for Hilton Head Island
Hurricane Erin Weakens but Remains a Threat to the Carolinas

Additional Resources

• WLTX: Hurricane Erin’s South Carolina Impacts
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Season
• The State: Hurricane Erin Update
• Google Search: Hurricane Erin News
• Columbia Missourian: Hurricane Erin Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
• USA Today: Hurricane Erin and Beach Danger
• Google News: Hurricane Erin

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.