North Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina has declared a State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin approaches. With winds of 110 mph, the storm threatens coastal areas, particularly the Outer Banks. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. The State Emergency Response Team is mobilizing resources to assist residents. While Charlotte may not experience direct impacts, heavy rains and rip currents are expected along the coast, urging residents to finalize safety plans and monitor conditions.
Charlotte, North Carolina – A State of Emergency has been declared in North Carolina in response to Hurricane Erin, a powerful Category 2 storm currently packing sustained winds of 110 mph. The hurricane is situated approximately 365 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, poised to affect the state with significant indirect impacts while remaining offshore.
The storm is not directly expected to impact Charlotte or the Piedmont region; however, an approaching cold front will produce rain throughout the week in those areas. For coastal towns, especially the Outer Banks, the situation is more precarious, with reports of dangerous rip currents and high surf, exacerbated by surging waves that could reach between 15 to 20 feet.
In preparation for Hurricane Erin’s consequences, Governor Josh Stein has mandated the evacuation of residents on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, as tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to strike starting Wednesday and Thursday. Local states of emergency have also been declared in Dare and Hyde counties.
In an effort to safeguard coastal residents, the State Emergency Response Team has mobilized resources, including swift water rescue teams and National Guard troops, to ensure support if conditions deteriorate. Lifeguard and rescue teams reported over 50 rescues from rip currents as coastal conditions worsened, further emphasizing the risks posed by the storm.
Residents along the coast are urged to finalize their hurricane safety plans, remain aware of evacuation routes, and prepare emergency kits. Although Hurricane Erin is currently located offshore, September represents the peak of the hurricane season, warranting heightened vigilance.
Additional disturbances following Hurricane Erin pose further concerns. One system holds a 60% chance of developing into a cyclone within the week, while another disturbance has a 30% chance of intensifying. The first of these disturbances is predicted to reach the Leeward Islands imminently.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid floodwaters and regularly check road conditions via DriveNC.gov as heavy rains and flooding may impact accessibility. Though Currituck officials have not initiated evacuation orders, heavy rip current warnings remain in place across the region. A yellow flag warning has been issued for local beaches, indicating the potential for life-threatening rip currents, and swimmers are advised to take extra precautions.
As roads in low-lying areas and near waterways are expected to flood, local officials are committed to monitoring conditions and providing updates as Hurricane Erin progresses. With the storm’s trajectory still a factor, residents should stay informed and prepared for any possible changes in circumstances.
Current Weather Conditions
- Hurricane Category: 2
- Sustained Winds: 110 mph
- Distance from Cape Hatteras: 365 miles
Evacuations and Safety Measures
- Mandatory Evacuations: Ocracoke and Hatteras islands
- Local States of Emergency: Dare and Hyde counties
- Emergency Resources: Swift water rescue teams, National Guard troops deployed
Public Safety Advice
- Finalize hurricane safety plans.
- Avoid floodwaters and monitor road conditions.
- Follow local evacuation routes and recommendations.
- Exercise caution at beaches due to rip currents.
FAQs
What is Hurricane Erin’s current status?
Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110 mph, located about 365 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Are there any evacuation orders?
Yes, mandatory evacuations are in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.
What impact is the storm expected to have on the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks are expected to experience significant indirect impacts, including dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding, and high surf.
What should residents do to prepare for the hurricane?
Residents should finalize their hurricane safety plans, have emergency kits ready, and be aware of local evacuation routes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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North Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Erin
State of Emergency Declared as Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina
Maryland Beaches Closed Due to Hurricane Erin’s Threats
Hurricane Erin Weakens to Category 3: Impact Spreads Across the Caribbean
Charlotte Faces Rain and Storms This Week
Severe Flooding in Charlotte Leads to Water Rescues
Clemson Tigers Lead ACC as 2025 College Football Season Approaches
North Carolina Air National Guard Deploys Airmen Amid Hurricane Relief Efforts
Deportation Flights Begin at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
Additional Resources
- WCNC: State of Emergency Declared for Hurricane Erin
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- WBTV: Two Systems Following Hurricane Erin
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin 2025
- WCCB: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Preparedness
- WBTV: Evacuation Orders Issued for NC Coast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WCNC: Impact of Hurricane Erin on Charlotte
- Google News: North Carolina Weather
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
