Hilton Head, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin is causing dangerous conditions at Hilton Head beaches, prompting lifeguards to issue a no-swimming advisory. With the hurricane currently 450 miles away, red flags are being flown and beachgoers are advised to stay in ankle-deep water due to hazardous rip currents and high surf. A coastal flood advisory is also in effect. Meanwhile, nearby areas, especially the Outer Banks of North Carolina, are under tropical storm warnings as the storm continues to strengthen.
Hilton Head
Hurricane Erin is currently threatening Hilton Head beaches with dangerous conditions, as the storm continues to churn across the Atlantic. Lifeguards are flying red warning flags along the shore, indicating extremely hazardous water conditions. Beachgoers have been strongly advised to only enter the water if it is ankle-deep due to the risk of hazardous rip currents and high surf advisories.
A coastal flood advisory will take effect this evening, as per the National Weather Service, due to high tide bringing risks of moderate coastal flooding. Conditions at sea are intensifying as Hurricane Erin approaches the South Carolina coast, which is currently 450 miles away from Hilton Head. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall, the surrounding areas, particularly the Outer Banks of North Carolina, are under tropical storm warnings and have issued evacuation orders in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Dare County, North Carolina, faces a storm surge of up to 4 feet along its coast as Hurricane Erin remains a formidable Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph, and forecasters expect it to strengthen further. Earlier this week, conditions worsened, leading to a lifeguard conducting a successful rescue due to the rapid deterioration of surf conditions.
Risk and Advisory Updates
Lifeguards on Hilton Head Island have responded to these dangers by advising beachgoers to stay only in shallow water. While lifeguards patrol the beach until 5 p.m., the risks associated with rip currents persist into the evening hours. Moderate risks of rip currents were reported on Monday; this escalated to high risk on Tuesday, with surf heights reaching 5 to 7 feet.
High surf conditions are expected to last through Thursday, with minor coastal flooding predictions in place. Reports indicate that the worst impacts will occur along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where dangerous waves could wash out both roads and beaches. There have been about 60 rescues performed in Wrightsville Beach, NC, due to hazardous conditions, leading local authorities to issue a no-swimming order to safeguard swimmers.
Storm Path and Forecast
Hurricane Erin, which rapidly intensified to 85 mph in just 24 hours—exceeding such intensity levels of only three other hurricanes in the Atlantic basin—is anticipated to move past the Outer Banks towards the open Atlantic. As it continues on this path, it is expected to weaken to Category 1 strength by Friday night. Meanwhile, other systems in the Atlantic are under close observation, particularly a disturbance near the northern Antilles which has a 60% chance of development this week. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Bermuda, but the core of Hurricane Erin is expected to stay to the west of the island.
Hilton Head lifeguards have issued a no-swimming advisory due to the impacts of Hurricane Erin, stressing the increased dangers that beachgoers may encounter in the coming days.
Summary of Key Information
- Hurricane Erin: 450 miles off Hilton Head, Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds.
- Coastal Flood Advisory: Effective this evening; risk of moderate coastal flooding.
- Swimming Advisory: Stay in ankle-deep water; red flags flown by lifeguards.
- Surf Conditions: Rough conditions, with 5 to 7 feet surf heights expected.
- Location Alerts: Outer Banks of NC under tropical storm warnings; no-swimming orders issued in Wrightsville Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current conditions on Hilton Head beaches due to Hurricane Erin?
Hurricane Erin is causing dangerous conditions on Hilton Head beaches, with lifeguards flying red flags and advising beachgoers only to wade in ankle-deep water.
What kind of advisories are in effect due to Hurricane Erin?
A coastal flood advisory is in effect due to high tide, and beachgoers have been advised to avoid swimming in hazardous conditions.
How is Hurricane Erin affecting other coastal areas?
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is under tropical storm warnings with evacuation orders issued, facing potential storm surges.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin Impact
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Current | Hurricane Erin | Category 4 with 140 mph winds, 450 miles from Hilton Head. |
| Today | Coastal Flood Advisory | Moderate coastal flooding expected with high tide. |
| August 29 | Surf Conditions | Dangerous rip currents, 5-7 feet surf height. |
| Ongoing | No-swimming Advisories | No-swimming orders in Hilton Head and Wrightsville Beach. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Faces Hurricane Erin Evacuations
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hurricane Erin Update
- WLTX: Hurricane Erin Impacts
- People: Hurricane Erin Rip Currents Rescues
- Post and Courier: Hurricane Erin Surf Conditions
- Cincinnati.com: Hurricane Erin and Its Effects
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
- Google Scholar: 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.
