Hilton Head Island, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A no-swimming advisory has been issued for Hilton Head Island due to the dangers posed by Hurricane Erin, which is currently a Category 4 hurricane. Hazardous conditions including large swells and dangerous rip currents are expected to affect coastal areas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Local officials recommend that residents and visitors exercise caution as the situation could worsen. In addition, neighboring areas like North Carolina’s Outer Banks are also preparing for severe impacts from the hurricane, including mandatory evacuation orders.
No-Swimming Advisory Issued for Hilton Head Island Due to Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Hilton Head Island has issued a no-swimming advisory due to dangers posed by Hurricane Erin, which continues to affect coastal conditions. The advisory will remain in effect for both Tuesday and Wednesday as hazardous conditions, including large swells and dangerous rip currents, are expected. Local organizations have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution as forecasts predict worsening conditions over the next two days.
Hurricane Erin, which briefly intensified to a Category 5 storm, is currently a Category 4 hurricane and is expected to remain offshore while generating significant impacts along South Carolina’s beaches. The National Hurricane Center reports that Erin will likely pass east of the Bahamas and turn northwest along the East Coast of the United States. Meteorologists estimate that conditions related to the hurricane will worsen, with rip currents becoming particularly hazardous starting Monday night and continuing through Thursday.
The risk of rip currents is forecasted to rise from a moderate risk on Monday to a high risk on Tuesday, with a predicted surf height between 5 to 7 feet. Residents are also warned of the potential for minor coastal flooding from higher tides resulting from the swells beginning Tuesday.
In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, officials are preparing for the worst impacts from Hurricane Erin; Dare County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island as a precaution. Certain areas might experience waves reaching up to 20 feet due to the hurricane’s influence. As Erin rapidly strengthened, sustained winds were reported at 140 mph, and meteorologists expect further intensification.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about localized beach erosion and the life-threatening nature of rip currents, specifically at east and southeast-facing beaches from August 18 to August 22. Rip currents, which can move faster than Olympic swimmers, contribute to approximately 100 deaths annually. For those caught in rip currents, the recommended method to escape is to swim parallel to the shore to avoid being pulled further out to sea.
As the advisory remains in effect, local surf shops continue to monitor the situation and prepare for increased surf activity. Facilities like the Village Surf Shoppe, operational since 1969 and experienced in weathering hurricanes, emphasize that surfing opportunities with swells expected from the southeast will be available, while cautioning beachgoers to stay safe and aware of existing hazards.
Background on Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin has quickly escalated within a short period, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tropical storms. While the storm’s position and strength are being closely monitored by meteorologists, it poses a significant threat due to the associated heavy swells and rip currents, which can quickly change beach conditions. South Carolina authorities are prepared to assist residents and tourists remaining in the area as necessary, ensuring safety remains a top priority amid these natural disturbances.
Additional Information
- Advisory Duration: Effective Tuesday and Wednesday
- Forecasted Surf Height: 5 to 7 feet
- Current Hurricane Status: Category 4, with potential to strengthen
- Expected Impact Timeline: Monday night through Thursday
- Evacuation Orders: Dare County, North Carolina for Hatteras Island
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the no-swimming advisory on Hilton Head Island?
The no-swimming advisory has been issued due to hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Erin, including large swells and dangerous rip currents.
How long will the no-swimming advisory be in effect?
The advisory will be in effect for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
What are the expected risks associated with Hurricane Erin?
Risks include high surf conditions, dangerous rip currents, and potential coastal flooding during high tide.
What should swimmers do if caught in a rip current?
Swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to escape a rip current rather than trying to swim directly back to land.
Key Features of Hurricane Erin Advisory
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| No Swimming Advisory | Effective Tuesday and Wednesday due to dangerous conditions |
| Hurricane Category | Category 4, previously Category 5 |
| Surf Height | Predicted 5 to 7 feet |
| Rip Current Risk | Moderate risk on Monday, high risk on Tuesday |
| Expected Duration of Conditions | Monday night through Thursday |
| Coastal Flooding | Possible minor flooding during high tides starting Tuesday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
American Tourist Injured in Shark Attack While Spearfishing
Beaufort, South Carolina Faces Flash Flood Warning Amid Heavy Rainfall
Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Alerts for Charleston, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for South Carolina Counties
Hurricane Erin Intensifies Off Hilton Head Coast
Severe Thunderstorms and Flood Alerts Impact South Carolina
Greenville County Braces for Strong Thunderstorms and Hail!
Tropical Storm Erin Forms in the Atlantic, Threatens South Carolina
Tropical Storm Erin Takes Shape: South Carolina on Alert
Charleston to Revamp Flash Flood Warning Criteria for Safety
Additional Resources
- WJCL: No-Swimming Advisory on Hilton Head Island
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- WYFF: Hurricane Erin Track and Coastal Impacts
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Post and Courier: Hurricane Erin Surf Conditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
