Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina
As Hurricane Erin looms off the coast, Holly Andrzejewski found herself without visitors at the Atlantic Inn on Hatteras Island. The storm, thought to be staying offshore, has prompted evacuations on a nearby barrier island. Officials caution that Erin could create perilous rip currents and inundate marsh roads with up to 15 feet of water.
Andrzejewski and her husband had just purchased the island’s oldest inn, the Bed and Breakfast, less than a week ago. On Monday, ahead of the storm, they secured the outdoor furniture and ensured their daughter, her boyfriend, and the inn had essentials like a generator, water, and flashlights.
“It’s just something that can happen, you know? You deal with it and make the best of the situation. Otherwise, why live by the beach?” Andrzejewski said, noting they would remain in a nearby area, just a short drive away.
On Monday, Erin wreaked havoc in the Caribbean with heavy rains and winds. Although it had weakened by early Tuesday, it still maintained its status as a Category 3 hurricane, packing winds of 110 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
At that point, Erin was located about 665 miles southwest of Bermuda and 720 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, moving northwest at about 7 mph. Some government services were suspended, ports were closed, and tropical storm warnings were in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, where residents were advised to stay indoors.
Coastal flooding is projected to start on Tuesday and continue through Thursday, affecting areas outside North Carolina. Evacuations have been ordered for tourists on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke at a time that normally attracts many visitors to these seaside towns, which have become more susceptible to storm surges.
This marks Ocracoke’s first evacuation, following Hurricane Dorian in 2019 that caused significant damage. Tommy Hutcherson, the owner of the only grocery store on the island, shared his thoughts on the impending storm. He’s somewhat hopeful that this won’t be as devastating, but he admitted, “You never know. I felt the same way about Dorian, and we got hit hard.”
Scientists have noted a connection between the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic and climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and increased water vapor in the atmosphere contribute to stronger storms and heavier rainfall.
Bermuda is predicted to face the most severe impact by Thursday evening, with water levels potentially rising up to 24 feet. National Security Minister Adams has urged surfers, swimmers, and sailors to stay away from the water. “The conditions are extremely dangerous, and lives are at risk,” he warned.
