Hurricane Erin is currently churning in the Atlantic, far from the U.S., prompting beach closures along the East Coast from the Mid-Atlantic to the northeast because of large waves and harmful rip currents.
While Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall on the East Coast, its outer rain bands could have significant impacts, particularly on North Carolina’s outer banks, where tropical storm and storm surge warnings are in effect.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in place from Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, to the North Carolina-Virginia border. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch extends from the North Carolina-Virginia border to Chincoteague, Virginia.
Officials in Dare and Hyde counties have declared local emergencies, issuing mandatory evacuation orders for tourists and residents in areas like Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a state of emergency on Tuesday afternoon to facilitate the response to Hurricane Erin and to mobilize necessary resources.
“For those on the coast, it’s crucial to prepare,” he advised. “Check your emergency kit, ensure you have emergency alerts set up, and stay tuned for any evacuation guidance.”
Emergency management in North Carolina has established a shelter for those needing to evacuate due to the hurricane.
As high surges and waves up to 12 feet are anticipated, local officials are advising people to avoid the water for their safety.
A spokesperson from Wrightsville Beach noted that rescuers performed nearly 60 water rescues on Monday and another 20 on Tuesday, primarily due to rip currents. The town has urged all beachgoers to steer clear of the ocean until Friday as Erin approaches.
“These swells create strong rip currents that can lead to dangerous swimming conditions,” explained Sam Proftit, director of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue. “Our priority is the safety of beachgoers, and we recommend everyone heed this advice.”
Where is Hurricane Erin?
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin currently has sustained winds of 100 mph, with stronger gusts, and is expected to strengthen slightly until Thursday night.
The hurricane-force winds extend up to 80 miles from Erin’s center, while tropical storm-force winds reach out as far as 265 miles.
Hurricane Erin is located about 400 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving north-northwest at 13 mph.
The National Hurricane Center indicates that Erin started its turn northward on Wednesday and will continue moving northeast on Thursday.
This projected path will see Erin traversing the western Atlantic between the East Coast and Bermuda before moving south of Atlantic Canada later in the week.
