Intense Surf and Winds from Hurricane Erin Posing Threat from Florida to New England
Hurricane Erin, currently a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (170 kph), is causing significant impacts on the eastern U.S. coast, particularly the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The biggest threat from Hurricane Erin is along the barrier islands of North Carolina's Outer Banks, where evacuations have been ordered for tens of thousands of residents due to the expected 4-foot storm surge and dangerous surf conditions. Some beachfront homes, such as those in Rodanthe, are near collapse from wave damage and eroding shorelines, compounded by the natural instability of barrier islands.
The National Park Service has highlighted that many properties are regularly covered by ocean water now, increasing vulnerability. To mitigate damage and protect lives, precautions include widespread evacuations of vulnerable areas, road and infrastructure protection, especially for NC 12, which is threatened by wave and dune damage, and beach closures along the East Coast to prevent drownings from strong rip currents and dangerous surf. Emergency agencies are monitoring the storm's impacts and managing emergency responses to protect residents and infrastructure.
In addition to the Outer Banks, other areas have been affected. Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts could see waves of more than 10 feet (3 meters) later this week. Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey has advised people to "enjoy the shore, enjoy this beautiful weather but stay out of the water." Some beaches in New Jersey are being closed to swimming, and at least 60 swimmers were rescued from rip currents at Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, North Carolina, on Monday.
Hurricane Erin has also stirred up treacherous waves that have already resulted in dozens of beach rescues. Parts of the Bahamas have also been affected by Hurricane Erin. Forecasters expect Hurricane Erin to grow larger in size as it moves through the Atlantic and curls north.
Residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been ordered to stay home, and government services have been suspended due to the hurricane's current lashing of the islands. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands in North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Hurricane Erin is moving slowly west-northwest across the Atlantic Ocean, and warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast. The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected to develop on Wednesday and last into Thursday.
[1] NC 12 Highway Threatened by Hurricane Erin [2] Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina's Outer Banks [3] Hurricane Erin Evacuations Ordered for North Carolina's Outer Banks [4] Hurricane Erin Causes Flooding, Erosion, and Threatens Homes in North Carolina's Outer Banks
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