Outer Banks Residents Defy Evacuation Orders as Hurricane Erin Approaches

On August 21, 2025, Hurricane Erin's outer bands are starting to swirl toward the North Carolina coast, putting the Outer Banks region on high alert. Governor Josh Stein has stationed about 200 National Guard troops and rescue teams to prepare for the hurricane's impact.

While the US mainland will not see a direct landfall from the storm, the hurricane is expected to significantly impact the Outer Banks and other coastal areas on Thursday. Officials have warned that the storm could bring severe coastal flooding, especially along the Outer Banks, where tides are expected to cut off villages and vacation homes.

Despite the risks, many longtime Outer Banks residents are choosing to stay put, defying evacuation orders. "I remember taking canoes out of my front yard to get to school, so I don't think it's gonna be that bad," said Jacob Throne, a Hatteras Island resident.

Elsewhere, the storm has prompted action. New York City has shut down swimming at its beaches through Thursday, and restrictions are also in place across New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Nantucket Island may face 10-foot waves later this week, but forecasters say the most serious threat remains in North Carolina.

Interestingly, some have seized the moment. The East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach have drawn crowds, with Erin's swells offering a rare thrill for the competitors. "We're notorious for not having waves," said competitor Henry Thompson. "Usually we get a surf competition and it gets canceled due to no waves or they just run it in really bad waves."

As the storm approaches, state officials have warned that waves as high as 20 feet could hit beachfront communities, threatening already-eroded dunes and beach houses. "Dangerous conditions can be felt far from the eye, especially with a system as large as Erin," said Will Ray, North Carolina's emergency management director.