Morehead City, N.C. – Residents along North Carolina’s coast are bracing for Hurricane Erin as the massive storm pushes north, with outer rain bands and tropical-storm-force winds expected to hit the Outer Banks by tonight. Officials warn of life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and damaging winds that could linger through Friday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Erin is maintaining hurricane-force winds up to 105 miles from its eye and tropical-storm-force winds extending 265 miles outward. The system’s broad reach puts much of coastal North Carolina at risk, with barrier islands likely to see overwash and road closures, particularly 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 anticipate heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes as Erin’s bands sweep inland. Travelers are advised to delay coastal trips until conditions improve.
Warnings remain in effect through Friday, with additional advisories possible if Erin tracks closer to shore.
