Hurricane Erin's high waves thrash coast of North Carolina

August 21, 2025

Hurricane Erin, a category 2 storm with winds reaching 105mph, is affecting coastal North Carolina's Outer Banks without making direct landfall in the US. The hurricane has prompted authorities to close Highway 12 and evacuate over 2,200 people from Hatteras and Ocracoke islands due to dangerous conditions. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings against swimming along most of the US East Coast due to life-threatening surf and rip currents, with waves reaching up to 30ft in the Atlantic Ocean.

Who is affected

Residents and tourists of North Carolina's Outer Banks, particularly on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands
Beachgoers along the US East Coast
People in coastal communities experiencing dangerous surf conditions
Puerto Rico residents who experienced drenching rains earlier
Local businesses and services in the affected areas

What action is being taken

North Carolina authorities have closed Highway 12 from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village
The state's ferry system has evacuated more than 2,200 people from Hatteras and Ocracoke
North Carolina has deployed three "swift-water rescue teams" and 200 National Guard troops with boats, aircraft, and vehicles
Rescue teams are actively saving swimmers disregarding warnings (60 people rescued at Wrightsville Beach on Monday)
Wrightsville Beach has implemented a no-swimming advisory effective until Friday

Why it matters

The hurricane poses life-threatening risks through dangerous surf and rip currents along most of the US East Coast
The storm's unusually large size, with tropical storm winds spanning 500 miles, increases its impact area
Waves as high as 30ft are creating hazardous conditions in the Atlantic Ocean
Mandatory evacuations disrupt the lives of residents and tourists
Local businesses and transportation systems are affected by the storm and evacuation orders

What's next

The hurricane is forecast to peak by Thursday
Weakening is likely to begin by Friday, though Erin is expected to remain a hurricane into the weekend
The no-swimming advisory at Wrightsville Beach will remain in effect until Friday

Read full article from source: BBC