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Outer Banks Braces for Dangerous Storm Surge from Hurricane Erin
20 Aug
Summary
- Hurricane Erin expected to trigger dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions along North Carolina's Outer Banks
- North Carolina governor declares state of emergency, freeing up resources to help during the storm
- Coastal counties order evacuation of vulnerable Ocracoke and Hatteras islands
As of August 20th, 2025, Hurricane Erin, a powerful Category 2 storm, is churning northward in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles offshore. However, the storm is expected to trigger a dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions along North Carolina's Outer Banks and other stretches of the U.S. East Coast on Wednesday.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that roads in the low-lying barrier islands may become impassable, with waves as high as 20 feet crashing ashore. The heavy surf is likely to result in significant beach erosion. In response, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency, freeing up state resources to assist during the storm and its aftermath.
Earlier this week, the coastal counties of Dare and Hyde, which encompass most of the Outer Banks, ordered residents and tourists to evacuate the vulnerable Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Local media reports indicate that ferries have already transported over 2,220 people off Ocracoke, with the final sailing scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Despite the evacuation orders, some residents, like the manager of the Pony Island Inn on Ocracoke, are choosing to stay and weather the storm. However, the National Hurricane Center has cautioned beachgoers along most of the East Coast to stay out of the water due to "life-threatening surf and rip currents."
