North Carolina is under a state of emergency, and more than 2,000 people have been evacuated as Hurricane Erin continues to move northward toward the U.S. East Coast.
Tropical storm-force winds and surge conditions are expected to increase in the Outer Banks region of The Tar Heel State and parts of coastal Virginia throughout the evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.
More than 2,000 people were evacuated by ferry from Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks, the governor’s office said, adding that the service "will continue as long as the weather holds.”
Erin is expected to bring “powerful” waves that could reach up to 20 feet high, along with “life-threatening” surf and rip currents, forecasters warned Wednesday, leading to the closure of beaches all along the East Coast.
The warnings come days after 130 mph winds and torrential rainfall battered the Caribbean and left tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power, with Erin later upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane.
The hurricane formed on August 11 from a tropical wave that moved across the Cabo Verde Islands and was upgraded on August 15, becoming one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record.
Key Points
- Hurricane Erin mapped: Tracking areas most likely to see the impacts of storm surge and 20-foot waves
- Two more beachfront homes near collapse as a hurricane waves pound North Carolina's Outer Banks
- More than 2,000 evacuated from Outer Banks area of NC
- Hurricane Erin: Category 2 storm heads towards U.S. East Coast
- What is Erin's path and trajectory?
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.
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...
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
,
Mike Bedigan
Aug 20 5PM EDT: National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan provides an afternoon update on Hurricane #Erin For more updates visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ https://t.co/hc02eGi5ms
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 20, 2025
Updated: Experimental Cone with Watches/Warnings
Wednesday 20 August 2025 23:32
,
Mike Bedigan
Erin is an 'unusually large' Hurricane
Wednesday 20 August 2025 23:05
,
Mike Bedigan
In advisory the National Hurricane Center noted that “Erin is an [un]usually large hurricane.”
“For hurricanes north of 30N latitude, its tropical-storm-force wind radii are in the 75th percentile of the Atlantic basin record,” the forecaster added.
Reminder: National Hurricane Center key messages
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:56
,
Mike Bedigan
Here is a reminder of the National Hurricane Center’s key messages as of 5 p.m. ET Wednesday.
- Hurricane Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags.
- Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected in the North Carolina Outer Banks beginning later today and lasting through Thursday. The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, leading to significant beach erosion and overwash, making some roads impassible.
- Tropical storm conditions are expected on Thursday along the Virginia coast. Wind gusts to tropical storm force are likely along portions of the remainder of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts Thursday through early Friday.
- Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda on Thursday and Friday.
In pictures: North Carolina braces for impact of Hurricane Erin
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:45
,
Mike Bedigan
Erin 'continues to look impressive' on satellite images
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:34
,
Mike Bedigan
In its discussion, the National Hurricane Center noted that as of 5 p.m. ET, Erin “continues to look impressive on satellite imagery.”
The forecaster noted the weather system as a “fairly symmetric cloud pattern and numerous convective banding features” and that “upper-level outflow remains well-defined over most parts of the circulation.”
Erin could become 'major hurricane' again by tonight
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:21
,
Mike Bedigan
In its outlook, the National Hurricane center predicted that Erin could strengthen again and become a “major hurricane” again by Wednesday evening.
The weather systems 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.
National Hurricane Center 5 p.m. update
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:11
,
Mike Bedigan
In its 5 p.m. ET update, the National Hurricane Center advised the following:
- A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bermuda
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 24 hours.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Watch: Flooding in North Carolina's Outer Banks as Hurricane Erin nears
Wednesday 20 August 2025 22:04
,
Mike Bedigan
Erin set to strengthen again over the next 24 hours
Wednesday 20 August 2025 21:54
,
Mike Bedigan
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.
After this, Erin is likely to turn and head back out to sea.
NHC: Hurricane Erin windspeed probabilities
Wednesday 20 August 2025 21:45
,
Mike Bedigan
Watch: Hurricane Erin brings strong winds to the North Carolina coast
Wednesday 20 August 2025 21:31
,
Mike Bedigan
Watch: Hurricane Erin swirling center
Wednesday 20 August 2025 21:18
,
Mike Bedigan
A very swirly eye at the center of Hurricane Erin. pic.twitter.com/fum0BpvsFj
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) August 20, 2025
Dare County to shut off water to parts of Outer Banks
Wednesday 20 August 2025 21:02
,
Mike Bedigan
Dare County, which encompasses a large part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, has announced its water department will shut off water to part of the village of Buxton.
The shutoff will occur by 5 p.m. due to ocean overwash concerns caused by Hurricane Erin.
Overwash happens when a storm’s waves are taller than the dunes, causing the water to push sand inland.
The county also urged anyone still on Hatteras Island to evacuate immediately, or prepare to shelter in place.
Hurricane Erin mapped: Tracking areas most likely to see the impacts of storm surge and 20-foot waves
Wednesday 20 August 2025 20:20
,
Mike Bedigan
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:
Beaches also closed in New Jersey due to Hurricane Erin
Wednesday 20 August 2025 19:53
,
Mike Bedigan
Beaches in New Jersey have also been closed for the rest of the week due to Hurricane Erin, the governor’s office has said.
“Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous rip currents along the Shore for the next several days,” Phil Murphy wrote on X.
“Please avoid swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are not present. It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer.”
Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous rip currents along the Shore for the next several days.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 19, 2025
Please avoid swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are not present. It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer.
More than 2,000 evacuated from Outer Banks area of NC
Wednesday 20 August 2025 19:40
,
Mike Bedigan
More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from Ocracoke Island, part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the governor’s office has said.
Evacuations are being made by a ferry service which will "will continue as long as the weather holds.”
Nearby on Hatteras Island, the brunt of the weather from Hurricane Erin are expected to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Authorities have voiced concern that they may not be able to respond and make rescues due to high tides, which is likely to be exacerbated by storm surge and large breaking waves.
Hurricane Erin caught in stunning 0.5km-resolution imagery
Wednesday 20 August 2025 19:27
,
Mike Bedigan
.@ 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
Watch: Erin's impact - Rough surf and rip currents
Wednesday 20 August 2025 19:13
,
Mike Bedigan
Recap: Hurricane Erin dramatically shifts trajectory after lashing the Caribbean with rain and high winds
Wednesday 20 August 2025 19:00
,
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.
Catch up with the full story here:
Conditions in North Carolina 'expected to deteriorate soon'
Wednesday 20 August 2025 18:45
,
Mike Bedigan
Conditions in north Carolina are “expected to deteriorate soon” in the Outer Banks area, the National Hurricane Center has said.
The forecaster also cautioned beachgoers against swimming at “most” U.S. east coast beaches due to the “life-threatening surf and rip currents.”
Hurricane #Erin Advisory 37A: Conditions Expected to Deteriorate Soon in 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
Hurricane Erin gusts shut down East Coast beaches and swimmers from Carolinas to NYC to Cape Cod
Wednesday 20 August 2025 18:30
,
Mike Bedigan
Beaches from the Carolinas all the way to Cape Cod closed as the rapidly strengthening Hurricane Erin threatens to unleash treacherous 15-foot-tall waves, rip currents and storm surges on the East Coast.
On Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center warned beachgoers against swimming at most East Coast beaches due to “life-threatening surf and rip currents” brought on by the powerful Category 2 storm and set to last until at least Friday.
Isabel Keane has more:
Recap: Hurricane Erin nears the U.S. East Coast
Wednesday 20 August 2025 18:12
,
Mike Bedigan
Here’s a look at Wednesday’s developments so far, per the National Hurricane Center.
- Hurricane Erin has neared the U.S. mainland as a Category 2 storm, becoming one of the fastest-intensifying hurricanes on record. By midday Wednesday the storm was approaching Category 3.
- Erin is expected to produce “life-threatening surf and rip currents” along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.
- Beachgoers in those areas have been advised to follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags, and by midday Wednesday swimming was discouraged at “most” east coast beaches.
- Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected in the North Carolina Outer Banks, forcing state Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency.
- The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, some up to 20ft high, and the possibility of flooding.
- Tropical storm conditions are expected on Thursday along the Virginia coast, with tropical storm force gusts likely along portions of the remainder of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts Thursday through early Friday.
Large waves caused by Hurricane Erin seen as far south as Florida
Wednesday 20 August 2025 18:02
,
Mike Bedigan
'Multiple hazards' expected in Virginia area
Wednesday 20 August 2025 17:52
,
Mike Bedigan
The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, has said that Even though Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall, there is still the possibility of “multiple hazards across the area.”
“As Erin’s wind field expands, tropical-storm-force gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected along the coast, which could result in tree damage and power outages,” the forecaster wrote on X.
Tropical storm warning extended towards Virginia coast
Wednesday 20 August 2025 17:47
,
Mike Bedigan
Here are the 11 AM EDT Wednesday, August 20 Key Messages for Hurricane Erin. With the 11 AM advisory, the Tropical Storm Warning has been extended northward along the Virginia coast. Beachgoers at most U.S. East coast beaches are cautioned against swimming due to… pic.twitter.com/EwJ1qtYhMA
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 20, 2025
Watch: Hurricane Erin nearing Category 3 classification
Wednesday 20 August 2025 17:33
,
Mike Bedigan
NC Governor warns of dangers of flooding from Hurricane Erin
Wednesday 20 August 2025 17:04
,
Mike Bedigan
As well as warnings about swimming in the ocean, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warned of the dangers of flooding in the area as a result of Hurricane Erin.
"Do not drive through floodwaters," Stein stressed at a press conference Wednesday morning, adding that "no one should be in the ocean."
“Turn around, don’t drown,” he said.
Satellite pictures shown the progression of Hurricane Erin
Wednesday 20 August 2025 16:45
,
Mike Bedigan
Storm surge flooding possible across Outer Banks, in NC
Wednesday 20 August 2025 16:37
,
Mike Bedigan
The National Hurricane Storm Surge center has warned that storm surge flooding, accompanied by significant wave impacts, is possible from Hurricane Erin along the Outer Banks of North Carolina beginning later today.
8/20 11am EDT: Storm surge flooding, accompanied by significant wave impacts, is possible from Hurricane #Erin along the Outer Banks of North Carolina beginning later today, where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect.
— NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) August 20, 2025
For more, visit https://t.co/0BMJEzOlHs pic.twitter.com/RJksuDWMbu
New York City public beaches closed due to Hurricane Erin
Wednesday 20 August 2025 16:31
,
Mike Bedigan
New York City mayor Eric Adams has announced that swimming in the ocean at public city beaches will be prohibited over the next two days.
“NYC public beaches will be closed for swimming Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21 due to high risk of rip currents from Hurricane Erin,” Adams said in a post on X.
“Rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers out