News Summary
Hurricane Erin is causing hazardous conditions along the Eastern seaboard, leading to no swimming orders and evacuation notices in North Carolina. Local authorities are urging safety measures as the storm brings heightened swell activity, dangerous rip currents, and widespread coastal flooding. With the hurricane classified as a strong Category 2 storm, residents in Dare and Hyde counties face significant challenges and are advised to prioritize safety and preparedness amidst the ongoing threat.
NORTH CAROLINA – Hurricane Erin Prompts No Swimming Orders and Evacuations
Hurricane Erin is currently impacting the Eastern seaboard, prompting officials in North Carolina to issue urgent safety warnings. As a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect, local authorities have ordered a no swimming period from August 19 to August 22 at Wrightsville Beach due to heightened swell activity, which has led to approximately 60 rescues from dangerous rip currents already this week.
The affected area is also facing a Storm Surge Warning from Cape Lookout to Duck, with predicted wave heights rising between 2 to 4 feet. Coastal communities have been warned, with reports of coastal flooding on Hatteras Island resulting in submerged highways. Dangerous swimming conditions have escalated as forecasters project wave heights to reach between 15 to 20 feet for the North Carolina coast, compounded by the effects of the storm.
As Hurricane Erin travels north-northwest at around 13 mph, it is expected to shift to a north-northeast trajectory in the coming days. As of August 20, the hurricane has been classified as a strong Category 2 storm, boasting winds of 110 mph, with wind gusts penetrating up to 90 miles from its center and tropical storm-force winds extending 265 miles outward.
In light of the storm’s seriousness, North Carolina’s Governor has issued evacuation orders for Dare and Hyde counties, with shelter and recovery centers established statewide. Residents are facing significant challenges, with reports of flooding not only on roads but within homes along the coastline. Some areas north of Hatteras Village saw standing water measuring between 4 to 5 inches.
Safety officials are warning residents to adhere strictly to safety advisories to avoid life-threatening rip currents. In conjunction, reports from Hilton Head Island, SC, indicated the presence of rip currents, with one rescue recorded there as well.
While regions in North Carolina brace for potential devastation, a Tropical Storm Watch is activated for areas extending from north of the North Carolina-Virginia border to Chincoteague, VA, and Bermuda. The risk of storm surge flooding is particularly concerning for vulnerable areas, as forecasters have projected an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain for the Outer Banks.
Governor Stein has emphasized the need for appropriate responses amidst rising fears, even requesting a major disaster declaration for public assistance from the federal government to assist affected areas. Officials have also cautioned against misinformation circulated on social media regarding the storm, urging residents to rely on traditional news sources for accurate updates.
As the hurricane poses a continuous threat, many beaches, including those in New York City and Long Island, have been closed to swimming due to dangerous ocean conditions associated with Hurricane Erin.
As North Carolina faces the impending challenges posed by Hurricane Erin, officials continue to monitor conditions and urge the public to prioritize safety and preparedness.
FAQ
What are the impacts of Hurricane Erin on North Carolina?
Hurricane Erin is causing hazardous conditions, including increased swell activity and rip currents at beaches, leading to a “no swimming” order and evacuation notices in some counties.
What areas are under evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders are currently in effect for Dare and Hyde counties in North Carolina, with shelter and recovery centers opened across the state.
What safety measures should residents take during the storm?
Residents are advised to follow local safety advisories, avoid swimming, and monitor updates from trusted news sources regarding the hurricane’s progress and impacts.
What is the status of Hurricane Erin?
As of August 20, Hurricane Erin is a strong Category 2 storm with winds reaching up to 110 mph and is expected to continue affecting the Eastern seaboard over the coming days.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Category | Category 2 |
| Wind Speed | 110 mph |
| Tropical Storm Winds Radius | 265 miles |
| Evacuation Areas | Dare and Hyde counties |
| No Swimming Dates | August 19 – August 22 |
| Projected Wave Heights | 15-20 feet |
| Tropical Storm Watch Area | North of North Carolina-Virginia border to Chincoteague, VA |
| Expected Rainfall Outer Banks | 1-2 inches |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Prepares for Hurricane Erin’s Approach
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
Additional Resources
- Axios: Hurricane Erin Forecast
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- NBC News: Hurricane Erin Warning
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- USA Today: Hurricane Erin Drone Footage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- The New York Times: Hurricane Erin Evacuations
- 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.
