Hurricane Erin has battered North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves, flooding part of its main highway and surging under beachfront homes.
Forecasters have predicted the Atlantic storm will peak Thursday and said it could regain strength and once again become a major hurricane, Category 3 or greater, although it is not now forecast to make landfall along the U.S. East Coast, instead turning farther out to sea.
Tropical storm conditions are nevertheless anticipated over parts of the Outer Banks and the coast of Virginia, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
As Erin’s outer bands brushed the Banks, water poured onto the main route connecting the barrier islands and a handful of stilted homes precariously perched above the beach. By Wednesday evening, officials had closed Highway 12 on Hatteras Island as the surge increased and waves rose.
More than 2,000 people were evacuated by ferry from Ocracoke Island, the governor’s office said, adding that the service “will continue as long as the weather holds.”
The hurricane formed on August 11 from a tropical wave that moved across the Cape Verde Islands and was upgraded on August 15, becoming one of the fastest-intensifying on record.
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Key Points
- Hurricane Erin ‘just beginning to move away from North Carolina coast,’ says NHC
- Hurricane Erin tracker: Areas most likely to see the impacts of storm surge and 20-foot waves
- Two more homes near collapse as Erin waves pound North Carolina
- Dozens of people rescued from dangerous rip currents
- Will Hurricane Erin end UK’s dry spell?
Watch: Virginia Beach braces for impact
15:25
,
Mike Bedigan
Dangerous conditions expected at beaches despite Erin moving on
15:11
,
Mike Bedigan
Forecasters have warned that even though Hurricane Erin is set to move out into the open Atlantic, “dangerous conditions” may still prove hazardous for beach-goers over the weekend.
“Storm surge may impact beaches from the Delmarva coastline to southern New Jersey through late Thursday night,” according to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert.
“Several feet of water rise from Hurricane Erin may extend as far north as northern New Jersey and coastal areas near New York City.”
DaSilva added: “Even as Erin pushes out into the open Atlantic, dangerous conditions are expected at many beaches heading into the weekend.
“Do not let your guard down if you’re spending time at the beach on Friday or Saturday.
“It may seem like a nice beach day with sunshine and blue skies as the storm goes out to sea, but powerful rip currents will be lurking in the water through Saturday.”
Coastal flooding continuing in North Carolina, NHC warns
14:55
,
Joe Sommerlad
Hurricane #Erin Advisory 40A: Coastal Flooding Continues Along Portions of the North Carolina And Mid-Atlantic Coasts. Beachgoers Are Cautioned Against Swimming At Most U. S. East Coast Beaches Due to Life-Threatening Surf and Rip Currents. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 21, 2025
International Space Station captures view of Erin from space
14:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
HURRICANE ERIN FROM SPACE!!!
— Carolyn Rockey (@CarolynWRockey) August 21, 2025
Taken from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this afternoon after Hurricane Erin has nearly doubled in size from yesterday off the Eastern US.
-Storm Chaser Stephen Jones pic.twitter.com/gUuIk1G2Hy
Here’s why NASA wants your photos of hurricane damage
13:55
,
Joe Sommerlad
Americans can help with disaster recovery decisions by joining the space agency’s initiative to document damage at ground level, reports Oliver O’Connell.
Hurricane Erin mapped: Tracking areas most likely to see the impacts of storm surge and 20-foot waves
13:30
,
Joe Sommerlad
Here’s a closer look at the storm’s likely path with Graig Graziosi.
In pictures: North Carolina braces for Hurricane Erin
13:05
,
Joe Sommerlad
Here’s the view from the shoreline as the Tar Heel State braced for its first major storm of the season.
Sea turtle nests washed away in North Carolina
12:40
,
Joe Sommerlad
The Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol has been forced to come to the rescue of nesting sea turtles in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, digging trenches to prevent them filling with seawater that is being driven towards shore by Hurricane Erin.
Dale Baquer, president of the patrol group, said at least three nests have nevertheless been washed away while eight of the 10 remaining are damaged significantly, according to WTOC.
“We always say in the turtle business, ‘Never say never,’ because we’ve seen nests sit underwater, and then we get surprised,” Baquer said.
“But sitting underwater is detrimental to their survival.”
Watch: Virginia Beach braces for Erin impact
12:15
,
Joe Sommerlad
Erin ‘just beginning to move away from North Carolina coast,’ says NHC
11:50
,
Joe Sommerlad
Hurricane #Erin Advisory 40: Erin Just Beginning to Move Away From the North Carolina Coast. Beachgoers Are Cautioned Against Swimming At Most U. S. East Coast Beaches Due to Life-Threatening Surf and Rip Currents. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 21, 2025
Hurricane #Erin 5am 8/21 Key Messages: Tropical storm conditions are occurring along the NC outer banks & should spread to the coast of southern #Virginia this morning. Hazardous beach conditions & life-threatening rip currents will continue at U.S. east coast beaches for the… pic.twitter.com/3zjbQQOeTL
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 21, 2025
Dozens of people rescued from dangerous rip currents along North Carolina beach
11:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
More than a dozen people had to be rescued from rip currents along North Carolina’s Wrightsville Beach on Tuesday, according to CNN, following on from the rescue of 60 people on the same beach on Monday, according to Sam Proffitt, the town’s ocean rescue director.
“Some of these rips are pulling six to eight people out at a time,” Proffitt told the network, describing conditions in the water as “very strong” and “dangerous.”
Proffitt added that the sheer volume of water moving and funneling out is so intense, it “really doesn’t matter how good of a swimmer you are,” explaining that the beachgoers who have had to be saved so far had assumed it was safe to do so and just another hot and sunny day.
The beach has since issued a no-swim advisory lasting until at least Friday.
Just north of Wrightsville, a further 15 people were rescued in Surf City on Monday, according to officials there.
Erin forecast to peak today and could achieve major hurricane status
11:00
,
Joe Sommerlad
Hurricane Erin battered North Carolina's Outer Banks with strong winds and waves that flooded part of the main highway and surged under beachfront homes as the monster storm inched closer to the mid-Atlantic coast.
Forecasters predicted the storm would peak Thursday and said it could regain strength and once again become a major hurricane, Category 3 or greater, but it was not forecast to make landfall along the East Coast before turning farther out to sea.
Tropical storm conditions were anticipated over parts of the Outer Banks and the coast of Virginia, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
In Bermuda, residents and tourists were told to stay out of the water with rough seas expected through Friday.
As Erin’s outer bands brushed the Outer Banks, water poured onto the main route connecting the barrier islands and a handful of stilted homes precariously perched above the beach.
By Wednesday evening, officials had closed Highway 12 on Hatteras Island as the surge increased and waves rose. Ocracoke Island's connection to its ferry terminal was cut off.
Authorities predicted that the largest swells during high tide would cut off villages and homes on the Outer Banks and whip up life-threatening rip currents from Florida to New England.
Authorities closed beaches to swimming Wednesday and Thursday in New York City, and some others in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware were temporarily off-limits. Widespread, moderate coastal flooding was forecast for low-lying areas of Long Island and parts of New York City.
Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet (3 meters) later this week.
5am Update: Hurricane Erin continues its trek northeast, located around 205 mi SE of Cape Hatteras. #ncwx pic.twitter.com/st1vzi0SpZ
— Claire Fry (@clairefrywx) August 21, 2025
Two more homes near collapse as Hurricane Erin waves pound North Carolina
10:35
,
Joe Sommerlad
Two residences on the state’s Outer Banks are teetering on the brink, their days seemingly numbered as they face the relentless Atlantic.
Since 2020, 11 neighbouring properties in the area have already succumbed to the ocean’s advance.
While swells from distant storms like Hurricane Erin exacerbate the immediate danger, the underlying threats are constant: escalating beach erosion and the pervasive impact of climate change are steadily pushing the coastline inwards.
Here’s more.
Will Hurricane Erin end UK’s dry spell?
10:15
,
Stuti Mishra
Nationwide rain could bring an end to the UK’s ongoing dry spell in just a few days as Hurricane Erin continues to advance over the Atlantic Ocean.
Currently at category two, the hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 105mph as it heads northwards along the United States’ east coast.
This atmospheric activity could bring an “unsettled” period of weather to the UK in the coming days, the Met Office has said, especially in the North and West.
Read more:
Hurricane Erin in 3D
09:30
,
Stuti Mishra
This is pretty cool.
See Hurricane Erin in 3D
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) August 20, 2025
Erin went through a period of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in around 24 hours.@NASA’s GPM Core Observatory passed over Hurricane Erin at 6:23a.m. EDT on August 16th, while it was intensifying. pic.twitter.com/1cjErVekCy
Recap: Hurricane Erin nears the US East Coast
08:30
,
Stuti Mishra
Here’s a look at Wednesday’s developments as Hurricane Erin tracks northwards:
- North Carolina has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin continues its northward trajectory towards the US East Coast, with tropical storm-force winds and surge conditions expected to increase in the Outer Banks and coastal Virginia.
- More than 2,000 people have been evacuated by ferry from Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks, with the service continuing as long as weather conditions allow.
- Forecasters warn that Erin is set to bring powerful waves, potentially reaching up to 20 feet high, along with life-threatening surf and rip currents, leading to beach closures and swimming bans across multiple East Coast states, including North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
- Despite advisories, some beach-goers in North Carolina were reported to have entered the water at Wrightsville Beach, which was later cleared due to lightning.
- Hurricane Erin, which formed on August 11 and was upgraded on August 15, is considered one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record and previously caused significant power outages in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.
- The National Hurricane Center noted Erin as an "unusually large hurricane" and predicted it could strengthen back to a major hurricane by Wednesday evening, with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, though weakening is expected by Friday.
NASA wants your photos of hurricane damage, here's why
07:45
,
Stuti Mishra
NASA is launching a pilot program to harness citizen science for faster hurricane disaster recovery.
The space agency, in collaboration with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, a science and education initiative, is spearheading a new Response Mapper project.
This innovative initiative will utilize photographs submitted by the public, both before and after a disaster, to track ground conditions in affected areas.
Read on for more details.
Spirit Airlines flies directly into Hurricane Erin
07:00
,
Stuti Mishra
A Spirit Airlines flight was tracked flying directly into Hurricane Erin, which was tearing through the Caribbean as a major storm.
On Monday, aviation enthusiasts on Flightradar24 drew attention to Spirit flight NK2298, travelling from Philadelphia to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as it appeared to chart a path straight into the heart of the first major hurricane of 2025. At the time, Erin was battering the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Category 4 system, with winds topping 130mph.
The Airbus A320-271N departed Philadelphia at 1.34pm ET, on course for an early-evening arrival in San Juan. While the number of passengers on board remains unconfirmed, the A320 typically seats between 150 and 180 people.
Despite what appeared to be a harrowing journey through treacherous weather, Spirit Airlines said all passengers arrived safely, with no injuries reported.
“Safety is always our top priority. Our pilots followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions while en route to San Juan,” said Tommy Fletcher, senior media relations specialist at Spirit, in comments to the Daily Mail.
The airline added that its Operations Control Centre was monitoring Hurricane Erin throughout the flight, working closely with pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure the plane could safely navigate around or above hazardous conditions.
A Spirit Airlines plane just did its best impression of the Hurricane Hunters, flying through the outer bands of Category 4 Hurricane Erin in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/h4mwww7xGV
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 18, 2025
Beachgoers asked to follow advisory
06:09
,
Stuti Mishra
Officials have warned residents and visitors to avoid entering the ocean at Wrightsville Beach this week as Hurricane Erin generates dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents along the North Carolina coast. The no-swimming advisory, issued by the town on Monday, remains in effect until Friday.
However, despite the warning, some swimmers were seen in the water earlier on Wednesday. The beach was temporarily cleared this afternoon when lifeguards detected lightning strikes within 10 miles of the shore.
“These swells are producing powerful rip currents that can create extremely hazardous swimming conditions,” said Sam Proffitt, director of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue, urging the public to adhere strictly to the advisory.
“The safety of our beachgoers is always our top priority, and we urge everyone to follow this advisory.”
Dangerous waves expected on US beaches until end of week, NHC says
05:20
,
Stuti Mishra
Erin is expected to produce "life-threatening" surf and rip currents in the Bahamas, much of the US east coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada for several days, the National Hurricane Centre has said in its latest advisory.
Tropical storm conditions were already occurring in North Carolina. NHC said the dangerous rip currents will continue through the rest of the week.
Erin is moving north-northeast and is expected to pass between Bermuda and the US East Coast in the next 12–24 hours, then accelerate northeastward across the Atlantic.
High tides in North Carolina
04:45
,
Stuti Mishra
Powerful winds have pushed waves above the coastline in Buxton, North Carolina, as Hurricane Erin inched closer this evening.
The high tide occurred around 6.10pm local time. and the next one is anticipated between 6 and 7am tomorrow.
Hurricane Erin is tracking north and remains a Category 2 storm, nearly parallel to the East Coast.
ICYMI: Hurricane Erin caught in stunning 0.5km-resolution imagery
04:15
,
Oliver O'Connell
.@ NOAA's #GOESEast is closely monitoring #HurricaneErin, seen here in this 0.5km-resolution visible imagery this morning. Track #Erin's path:https://t.co/tdNoFo28XU https://t.co/xmxtmRPU8T pic.twitter.com/KjIXnzKoEw
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) August 20, 2025
NASA wants your photos of hurricane damage — here's why
03:45
,
Oliver O'Connell
NASA is launching a pilot program to harness citizen science for faster hurricane disaster recovery.
The space agency, in collaboration with the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, a science and education initiative, is spearheading a new Response Mapper project.
This innovative initiative will utilize photographs submitted by the public, both before and after a disaster, to track ground conditions in affected areas.
Read on for more details...
Recap: Hurricane Erin nears the U.S. East Coast
03:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
Here’s a look at Wednesday’s developments as Hurricane Erin tracks northwards:
- North Carolina has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Erin continues its northward trajectory towards the US East Coast, with tropical storm-force winds and surge conditions expected to increase in the Outer Banks and coastal Virginia.
- More than 2,000 people have been evacuated by ferry from Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks, with the service continuing as long as weather conditions allow.
- Forecasters warn that Erin is set to bring powerful waves, potentially reaching up to 20 feet high, along with life-threatening surf and rip currents, leading to beach closures and swimming bans across multiple East Coast states, including North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
- Despite advisories, some beach-goers in North Carolina were reported to have entered the water at Wrightsville Beach, which was later cleared due to lightning.
- Hurricane Erin, which formed on August 11 and was upgraded on August 15, is considered one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record and previously caused significant power outages in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.
- The National Hurricane Center noted Erin as an "unusually large hurricane" and predicted it could strengthen back to a major hurricane by Wednesday evening, with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, though weakening is expected by Friday.
Hurricane Erin mapped: Tracking areas most likely to see the impacts of storm surge and 20-foot waves
03:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Hurricane Erin is spinning its way across the Atlantic toward the U.S. East Coast, but it still appears it's going to swing north and miss a landfall in the lower 48.
Even if the storm doesn't have a direct hit on the East Coast, people living in those areas will still feel the storm's presence in the form of dangerous surf and potential rainstorms.
Graig Graziosi has more:
Erin set to strengthen again over the next 24 hours
02:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
According to forecasting from ABC News, Erin is currently a Category 2 storm but could re-strengthen later on Wednesday.
The weather system could potentially become a Category 3 hurricane as it tracks between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda over the next 12-to-24 hours, according to the outlet.
In its outlook, the National Hurricane Center confirmed it was possible that Erin could strengthen and become a “major hurricane” again by Wednesday evening.
The weather system’s maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph with higher gusts, according to the forecaster.
“Some strengthening is possible during the next day or so, and Erin could become a major hurricane again by tonight,” the update said.
Weakening is likely to begin by Friday, but Erin is forecast to remain a hurricane into the weekend.
NHC continues to monitor two other areas for possible hurricane formation
02:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
The National Hurricane Center is continuing to monitor two other areas of the North Atlantic for tropical system development.
Currently, one system has a 70 percent chance of developing into a storm in the next seven days and is just east of the Caribbean. The other has a 30 percent chance of becoming a tropical storm within the same period and is just west of the Cape Verde Islands.
Aug 20 8PM EDT: We continue to monitor two other areas for tropical development in the Tropical Atlantic. One has a 70% and the other 40% chance in the next 7-days. Check back for updates on these systems throughout the week into the weekend at https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/ONgkf2k7le
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 21, 2025
Watch: Why do hurricanes strike the Outer Banks almost every year?
01:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
Here’s Accuweather to explain why the Outer Banks are so vulnerable to hurricanes:
Hurricanes strike North Carolina's Outer Banks nearly once a year, but why is that? pic.twitter.com/hQmofkYj7U
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) August 20, 2025
In pictures: Beaches closed but New Jersey shows up to watch the surf
01:20
,
Oliver O'Connell
Beaches up and down the East Coast of the U.S. have been closed off to swimmers because of dangerous currents and rip tides caused by Hurricane Erin.
Here’s the scene in Surf City, New Jersey.
NASA posts graphic of Hurricane Erin in 3D
01:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Hurricane Erin underwent a period of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in approximately 24 hours last week.
NASA’s GPM Core Observatory passed over Hurricane Erin at 6:23 a.m. ET on August 16, while it was intensifying.
Here’s what they captured:
See Hurricane Erin in 3D
— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) August 20, 2025
Erin went through a period of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in around 24 hours.@NASA’s GPM Core Observatory passed over Hurricane Erin at 6:23a.m. EDT on August 16th, while it was intensifying. pic.twitter.com/1cjErVekCy
National Hurricane Center reminds people not to swim
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:54
,
Oliver O'Connell
The National Hurricane Center is reminding people not to go swimming in the ocean.
In its latest post on X, the NHC writes: “Outer Bands of Large Hurricane Erin Brushing the North Carolina Outer Banks. Beachgoers Are Cautioned Against Swimming At Most U. S. East Coast Beaches Due to Life-Threatening Surf and Rip Currents.”
Hurricane #Erin Advisory 38A: Outer Bands of Large Hurricane Erin Brushing the North Carolina Outer Banks. Beachgoers Are Cautioned Against Swimming At Most U. S. East Coast Beaches Due to Life-Threatening Surf and Rip Currents. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 20, 2025
Two more beachfront homes near collapse as a hurricane waves pound North Carolina's Outer Banks
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:45
,
Oliver O'Connell
Two homes on the North CarolinaOuter Banks sit precariously in the high waves, with their days seemingly numbered. Since 2020, 11 neighboring homes have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean.
While the swells from storms like Hurricane Erin exacerbate the situation, the conditions threatening the houses are always present — beach erosion and climate change are bringing the ocean closer and closer to their front doors.
The two houses in the surf at Rodanthe have drawn a lot of attention as Erin travels several hundred miles to the east. The small village of about 200 people juts farther into the Atlantic than any other part of North Carolina.
Read on...
Recap: Hurricane Erin dramatically shifts trajectory after lashing the Caribbean with rain and high winds
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:31
,
Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Erin made a sudden shift in trajectory Wednesday as Category 2 winds raced towards the U.S. East Coast, resulting in closed beaches and a state of emergency being declared in North Carolina.
Days after 130mph winds and torrential rainfall battered the Caribbean and left tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power, fears grew that Erin would slam into the U.S. as a Category 2 hurricane this week.
By midday the storm was approaching Category 3 classification and is expected to strengthen in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Catch up here:
North Carolina closes highway serving Outer Banks
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:23
,
Oliver O'Connell
North Carolina’s Department of Transportation has closed part of NC12, the highway serving the Outer Banks.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Erin's storm surge was too much for NC12 tonight. We will be CLOSING NC12 from Oregon Inlet to Hatteras Village at 6:30 p.m. Conditions are too unsafe for people to be driving in. If you come across any flood waters, turn around, don't drown. #ncwx pic.twitter.com/Osh15AFMT5
— NCDOT NC12 (@NCDOT_NC12) August 20, 2025
Watch: Ocean City, new Jersey bracing for impacts of Hurricane Erin
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:13
,
Mike Bedigan
Swimmers ignore advisories in North Carolina
Thursday 21 August 2025 00:02
,
Mike Bedigan
Despite warnings against swimming in the ocean issued in parts of North Carolina, some beach-goers chose to take a dip anyway.
CNN reported that people took to the water Wednesday at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, despite a no swimming advisory having being issued as early as Monday.
The advisory is in place until Friday.
The beach was cleared Wednesday afternoon due to lightning within 10 miles of the beach.
“These swells are producing powerful rip currents that can create extremely hazardous swimming conditions,” the town’s ocean rescue director, Sam Proffitt, said in a news release.
“The safety of our beachgoers is always our top priority, and we urge everyone to follow this advisory.”
Swimming bans have been issued in multiple states up the east coast, including Virginia, New Jersey and New York.
Watch: National Hurricane Center Director gives afternoon update
Wednesday 20 August 2025 23:47
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