East Coast beaches impacted as Hurricane Erin generates hazardous surf, prompts closures
Hurricane Erin Causes Widespread Hazards on North Carolina's Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin, a powerful storm in the 2025 Atlantic season, has been causing significant impacts on North Carolina's Outer Banks, despite remaining offshore. The hurricane has been responsible for damaging tropical-force winds, large swells, and life-threatening rip currents that are expected to continue through Friday.
Size and Impact
Erin's large size has produced tropical-storm-force winds, destructive waves up to 20 feet, and storm surges reaching 1-4 feet in some Outer Banks areas like Duck and Rodanthe. These conditions have generated life-threatening rip currents and caused structural damage, with some homes appearing near collapse due to high waves.
Warnings and Evacuations
Emergency response teams, including Swift Water Rescue and the North Carolina National Guard, have been deployed to assist with the situation. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, and evacuations have been ordered on North Carolina's Outer Banks, particularly on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
While specific mandatory evacuation orders are not detailed, the activation of emergency resources and road closures indicate significant protective measures and warnings were in place. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast.
Potential and Actual Damage
Travel on the Outer Banks has been severely disrupted, especially due to closures of key roads like NC 12, impacting small businesses during a critical tourist season. Bulldozers were used to shore up the dunes on Hatteras Island, but the Outer Banks' main highway could be washed out, leaving some routes impassable for days.
Damage assessments are ongoing, focusing on dune destruction, coastal flooding risk, and infrastructure impacts. The most critical damage relates to coastal erosion threatening properties and transportation access. Dozens of beach homes on the Outer Banks could be at risk due to chronic beach erosion and the loss of protective dunes.
Residents' Reactions
Residents like Bryan Philips of the island have expressed concerns about the storm, with Philips stating that he would evacuate if they were getting a direct hit. However, Randal Mathews, a county commissioner, stated that most residents have decided to stay despite memories of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Conclusion
Hurricane Erin’s offshore passage has led to widespread coastal hazards on the Outer Banks, including strong winds, flooding, dangerous surf, and dune erosion. These conditions have resulted in business interruptions and property damage, with state emergency teams actively responding and conducting damage assessments.
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