Morehead City, N.C. – Residents along North Carolina’s coast are bracing for Hurricane Erin as the powerful storm pushes north. Outer rain bands and tropical-storm-force winds are expected to reach the Outer Banks by tonight, with officials warning of life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and damaging winds that could persist through Friday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin is maintaining hurricane-force winds extending up to 105 miles from its eye, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching out 265 miles. This broad reach puts much of coastal North Carolina at risk, with barrier islands likely to experience overwash and road closures, especially along N.C. Highway 12 in Dare and Hyde counties.
Local emergency managers are urging residents and visitors in the Outer Banks to secure property, avoid driving after dark, and prepare for possible extended power outages. Ferry services to Ocracoke may be suspended once winds increase, and beach erosion is expected to worsen overnight.
Communities from Wilmington to Morehead City should also prepare for heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes as Erin’s outer bands sweep inland. Travelers are advised to delay coastal trips until conditions improve.
Warnings remain in effect through Friday, and additional advisories may be issued if Erin tracks closer to shore.
