Charleston, SC, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a rip current warning for Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties as Hurricane Erin intensifies. Residents are advised to avoid ocean entry due to dangerous rip currents and imminent beach erosion. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Bahamas. Mandatory evacuations are ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, with significant flooding anticipated in the coming days. The NWS emphasizes public safety and urges all to monitor evolving conditions.
Charleston, SC
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a rip current statement for several counties along the U.S. East Coast as Hurricane Erin intensifies. The statement is in effect from Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., warning of dangerous rip currents which pose significant hazards to swimmers and surfers.
Local counties affected by the latest warnings include Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston. The NWS emphasizes that inexperienced swimmers must avoid entering the ocean during this period, as rip currents can easily pull even the most capable swimmers away from the shore.
Along with the rip current threats, localized beach erosion is anticipated due to the storm’s effects, further endangering both public safety and coastal infrastructure. The NWS has offered key safety tips for those who may encounter rip currents, including remaining calm, swimming parallel to the shore instead of directly against the current, and signaling for help if in distress.
Hurricane Erin’s Current Status
As of Tuesday at 2 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Erin was located approximately 685 miles southwest of Bermuda and 770 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The storm has been fluctuating between Category 3 and Category 5 status, reaching maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. Currently, hurricane-force winds extend 80 miles outward from Erin’s center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 230 miles.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for regions including Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas, with tropical storm watches issued for the central Bahamas and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A storm surge watch alerts coastal residents about possible life-threatening flooding beginning Wednesday.
Evacuations and Flooding Alerts
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island in preparation for expected flooding. Localized flooding could be severe enough to render roadways impassable, as indicated by the NWS.
Residents urged to monitor local announcements have been advised to stay vigilant about the ocean’s dangers. The storm is expected to maintain its dangerous status through mid-week, with high waves forecasted to exceed 20 feet, contributing to the hazardous surf conditions.
Background on Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which NOAA has projected to be above normal, expecting between 13 and 18 total named storms. As the storm developed last week from a tropical storm, it has since become a significant risk along the Eastern Seaboard, prompting widespread safety precautions for residents and tourists alike.
The NWS encourages everyone along the coast to follow public safety advice and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions. Ensuring safety while enjoying the beach is paramount during this hurricane event.
FAQ
What areas are affected by the rip current statement?
The rip current statement affects Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort, and Charleston counties in South Carolina.
What safety tips are recommended for swimming in these conditions?
Swimmers are advised to stay calm, swim parallel to the shore instead of against the rip current, and signal for help if unable to return to shore. It is also recommended to swim at lifeguarded beaches.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph |
| Location | 685 miles southwest of Bermuda, 770 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras |
| Rip Current Statement | Effective Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for several counties |
| Evacuations | Mandatory for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island |
| Projected Impacts | High waves over 20 feet, severe flooding expected |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Beaches Face High Rip Current Risk from Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin Downgraded to Category 4 as It Approaches East Coast
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
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hurricane News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2025)
- CBS News: Hurricane Erin Track Path
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- ABC News: Hurricane Erin Tracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
- Greenville Online: Hurricane Erin Flooding
- Google News: Hurricane Erin 2025
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.
