Coastal Residents Brace for Dangerous Storm Surge and Erosion from Hurricane Erin

As of August 20th, 2025, Hurricane Erin's arrival is being felt all along the East Coast of the United States. The powerful storm has triggered expanded warnings for flooding and tropical storm conditions, with coastal residents preparing for the possibility of a dangerous storm surge reaching up to 4 feet and severe beach erosion.

The hurricane is expected to generate "life-threatening" waves ranging from 15 to 20 feet, with North Carolina beaches anticipating the most brutal surf conditions. The pounding of shorelines is expected to last for two days or longer as Erin slowly moves north offshore through at least Thursday.

Authorities have urged people to stay out of the ocean throughout the East Coast due to the treacherous currents and rip tides generated by the storm. Officials in New York City have prohibited swimming at city beaches on Wednesday and Thursday, while beach closures have also begun in New Jersey and Delaware.

While forecasts show the hurricane eventually steering away from land, the National Weather Service has cautioned that beaches from Florida to New York face a high risk of rip currents through Wednesday evening. Along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, conditions have already begun to deteriorate, with mandatory evacuation orders and a declared state of emergency in some areas.