Erin's Waves: A Storm's Impact on the East Coast

Hurricane Erin is moving north in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles off the coast, bringing serious trouble to North Carolina's Outer Banks and other parts of the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous storm surges and tropical storm conditions.

Impact on North Carolina

• Roads on low-lying islands may become impassable.
• Waves could reach up to 20 feet high.
• Beach erosion is a major concern.

North Carolina's governor has declared a state of emergency, allowing the state to provide financial and logistical support as needed. Tropical storm and storm surge warnings are in effect for other coastal areas.

• Evacuations were ordered earlier in the week for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.
• Ferries have been busy evacuating residents and tourists.
• Not everyone is leaving—some, like Chris Styron (manager of the Pony Island Inn), are staying, citing experience with such storms.

Storm Details

• Category 2 storm with winds at 100 mph.
• Expected to stay offshore, reducing direct land impact.
• Tropical-storm-force winds extend 265 miles from the center.
• Hurricane-force winds reach 90 miles from the center.

The National Hurricane Center warns people to stay out of the water due to life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Effects Up North

• New Jersey and New York are feeling the impact.
• Swimming and water activities banned from Cape May to Sandy Hook.
• New York City beaches (e.g., Coney Island, Brighton Beach) are closed.
• Coastal flooding expected to peak during high tide on Thursday.
• Cooler temperatures with highs around 70°F.

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

• Erin is the fifth named storm of the season.
• First hurricane of 2025.
• First Category 5 storm since Hurricane Milton (October 2024).

This storm serves as a reminder of nature's power and the importance of preparedness.