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Hurricane Erin Prompts Evacuations as it Nears North Carolina
20 Aug
Summary
- Hurricane Erin maintains Category 2 strength as it approaches North Carolina
- Mandatory evacuations underway for some islands due to life-threatening coastal flooding
- Scientists link climate change to stronger hurricanes with higher winds and rainfall
As of August 20th, 2025, Hurricane Erin continues to pose a significant threat to the coast of North Carolina. The storm, which briefly reached Category 5 intensity, has maintained its Category 2 strength, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.
Erin is currently located 455 miles southeast of North Carolina's Cape Hatteras and is moving north-northwest. The National Hurricane Center has issued storm surge warnings for the area, with water levels potentially reaching two to four feet above ground. In response, mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, while Dare and Hyde counties have declared local emergencies.
Meteorologists are particularly concerned about Erin's large size, with tropical storm-force winds extending hundreds of miles from its core. "Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate along the coast of North Carolina by this evening," the National Hurricane Center warned in its latest advisory.
Scientists attribute the intensification of Hurricane Erin to the effects of climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel stronger winds, while a warmer atmosphere leads to increased rainfall. Additionally, higher sea levels magnify the storm surge, exacerbating the threat of coastal flooding.
As the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its historical peak, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to forecast an "above-normal" season. Experts caution that the frequency and severity of such storms are likely to increase in the coming years due to the ongoing impacts of climate change.
