Authorities have declared states of emergency in Dare County and Hyde County in North Carolina as Hurricane Erin approaches the U.S. East Coast. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and take safety precautions.
Mandatory Evacuations in Effect
- Dare County: Hatteras Island residents face mandatory evacuation starting Tuesday, August 19. Portions of N.C. Highway 12 may be impassable for several days due to coastal flooding and ocean overwash.
- Hyde County: Ocracoke Island visitors must evacuate immediately, with residents under mandatory evacuation starting Tuesday morning. Flooding and road closures are expected.
Hurricane Status
Hurricane Erin strengthened rapidly from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm before slightly weakening to Category 4, with sustained winds of 160 mph. Even though the storm remains offshore, hurricane-force winds extend up to 80 miles from the center, creating dangerous conditions along the coast.
Areas at Risk
- Southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are under Tropical Storm Warnings.
- High surf advisories and coastal flood watches have been issued for parts of the U.S. East Coast.
Safety Tips
- Follow all evacuation orders immediately.
- Avoid coastal waters due to high surf and strong rip currents.
- Stay updated via local news, government alerts, and the National Hurricane Center.
Authorities continue to monitor Hurricane Erin’s path, which is expected to move between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda later this week. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential flooding and dangerous conditions.
