Hurricane Erin Pounds North Carolina’s Outer Banks With Floods, Winds; Moves Away From US Coast

Hurricane Erin battered North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Thursday, unleashing strong winds, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding as the storm began moving away from the U.S. East Coast. Officials said Highway 12 on Hatteras Island was closed after seawater surged over the road, while waves battered stilted beachfront homes. Ocracoke Island also lost its ferry access due to rising tides.

Despite the storm moving northeastward, forecasters warned Erin could regain strength and intensify into a Category 3 major hurricane while remaining offshore.

Hurricane Erin Floods: Tropical Storm Conditions Stretch From Outer Banks to Virginia

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported tropical storm conditions along parts of the Outer Banks and Virginia coast. In Bermuda, residents and tourists were advised to avoid beaches, with dangerous seas expected through Friday.

Large swells and rip currents were forecast along the entire East Coast from Florida to New England. Several beaches in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware were closed for swimming. Moderate coastal flooding was also predicted for Long Island and parts of New York City.

Rip Currents, High Waves Pose Major Risks

Despite warnings, rescuers reported pulling dozens of swimmers from rip currents this week, including more than 80 on Monday at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Forecasters said waves of up to 20 feet (6 meters) could batter coastal communities, creating life-threatening conditions.

“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.

Residents Stay Despite Evacuation Orders

While evacuations were ordered for parts of Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, most longtime residents chose to stay put. Many compared the flooding to past storms, with some recalling paddling canoes through their yards.

Officials warned that beachfront homes already weakened by erosion remain vulnerable. Concerns also mounted over whether washed-out roads could cut off vital supplies and tourist access to the barrier islands.

Hurricane Erin’s Track and Future Threats

As of Thursday morning, Erin remained a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph (165 kph), located about 205 miles (330 km) east-southeast of Cape Hatteras and moving north-northeast at 17 mph.

The hurricane center is also monitoring two tropical disturbances far out in the Atlantic that could develop into named storms. With warm ocean waters fueling rapid intensification, scientists warn that climate change is making Atlantic hurricanes stronger and more destructive.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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