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Hurricane Erin forces evacuations on North Carolina's Outer Banks, threatens dangerous rip currents

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 20:00 GMT by Associated Press
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Hurricane Erin Forces Mass Evacuations on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Highlights Deadly Rip Currents

By [Your Name] – August 2025

When the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Hurricane Warning for North Carolina’s Outer Banks on Tuesday, residents and visitors were already scrambling to get out of the way of the fast‑moving storm that had become the second‑strongest hurricane of the season. The article in the Associated Press video series shows a surreal scene: sand dunes cresting with wind‑blasted waves, emergency personnel directing crowds toward shelters, and emergency signs that read “Evacuate Now.” The footage, paired with live commentary, paints a clear picture of the urgency and scale of the evacuation orders.

1. The Storm’s Path and Strength

Hurricane Erin formed in the western Caribbean in late August, tracking northward and accelerating toward the U.S. east coast. By the time it approached the Outer Banks, Erin had peaked at 110 mph winds, making it a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale. The NWS noted that the storm’s central pressure had dropped to 969 mb, a figure that indicated a powerful system capable of generating significant storm surge and wind damage.

A key point in the AP coverage is the speed at which Erin moved. The storm was traveling at about 25 mph, giving coastal residents very little time to react once the hurricane warning was issued. The warning came at 9:45 a.m. local time, and by 2:00 p.m. the state of emergency had been declared by Governor Roy Cooper, triggering mandatory evacuations for the low‑lying coastal counties of Dare, Hyde, and Currituck.

2. Mandatory Evacuations and Road Closures

The AP article emphasizes the logistical challenges of evacuating thousands of residents from such a narrow strip of land. The Outer Banks consist of a series of barrier islands—Ocracoke, Hatteras, and the “Isle of Dogs” (Cape Hatteras) being the most prominent. The roads that run through these islands are limited, often a single lane each, and many of the highways, especially US‑64 and NC‑12, were temporarily shut down to allow emergency vehicles and evacuation convoys to move through.

County officials reported that the evacuations began at 2:00 p.m. in a “high‑alert” mode. Shelter officials on the mainland, particularly in the cities of Morehead City and Elizabeth City, were quickly filled as people sought refuge. The article notes that over 5,000 residents were reported to have used emergency shelters by late afternoon. Evacuations extended to the smaller, more isolated communities of Bodie Island, Ocracoke, and the eastern tip of the barrier island near Cape Hatteras.

3. Dangerous Rip Currents and Beach Closures

One of the most striking features in the AP video is the description of the beaches’ dangerous rip currents, a danger compounded by the hurricane’s wind and surge. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had warned that “dangerous rip currents are expected in all open beach areas from Nags Head to Cape Hatteras.” Swimmers and boaters were advised to stay out of the water entirely.

The video shows lifeguard stations with “Rip Current” signs flashing in a frantic manner. Residents were urged to avoid the surf and stay behind the seawall and sand dunes. The article cites the NWS’s statement that wave heights could reach 12–15 feet, and that the combination of high wind, heavy rain, and rapid swell could create sudden, powerful currents that would pull swimmers into the deep water.

4. Local Stories and the Human Element

The AP coverage does not shy away from personal stories that illustrate the human impact of the storm. A 68‑year‑old resident from Nags Head, who had lived there for 45 years, described how the family had to leave their home in a hurry, packing only essential items into a car. The video includes a brief interview in which the woman expresses her fear, “I never imagined we’d have to leave so abruptly. It’s a nightmare for us.”

Another segment features a group of lifeguards who worked overnight to monitor the beach and guide evacuees. They recalled how the wind “turned the beach into a chaotic place,” and they highlighted the risk posed by the “sudden rip currents that can catch anyone off guard.” These human elements bring to life the sense of urgency that the official statistics alone cannot convey.

5. Meteorological Outlook and Potential Impacts

According to the AP article, the NWS forecasted that Erin would continue its path toward the Atlantic, likely bringing high surf and strong winds into the surrounding waters for several days. The hurricane was expected to gradually weaken as it moved into cooler waters, but it would still pose a significant threat. Forecasted storm surge was estimated at 3–4 feet along the low‑lying parts of the Outer Banks, which would have inundated beachfront properties and damaged infrastructure such as power lines, roads, and coastal homes.

The article also references the historical context: the Outer Banks have endured 13 major hurricanes since 1900, and Erin is the latest in a long line of storms that have shaped the region’s architecture and culture. The coverage includes a brief look at how the local government is planning a coordinated response to mitigate damage, including deploying sandbags and reinforcing seawalls in critical areas.

6. What Residents Need to Do Now

The AP piece ends with a practical “Do‑This, Don’t‑Do‑That” list aimed at residents and visitors. The NWS’s emergency management website lists the following key actions:

• Evacuate immediately if you live in a low‑lying area or have been issued a mandatory evacuation order.
• Do not use mobile phones to call emergency services if you are in a high‑traffic area—save them for urgent needs only.
• Check local news outlets for updates on road closures and shelter openings.
• Avoid the water—do not swim or boat in the area. Dangerous rip currents and high waves will be present until the storm passes.
• Stay indoors in a sturdy building, away from windows, and stay tuned to the NOAA Weather Radio.

7. The Bigger Picture

Hurricane Erin’s arrival on the Outer Banks underscores the continuing volatility of the Atlantic hurricane season. As climate scientists note in related AP coverage, higher sea‑surface temperatures are contributing to more intense storms. The evacuation footage captured in the AP article serves not only as a sobering reminder of the power of nature but also as a testament to the resilience and preparedness of the communities that call the Outer Banks home.

In sum, the AP video and accompanying article deliver a comprehensive overview of the storm’s impact, the scale of the evacuations, the perils of dangerous rip currents, and the steps taken by both officials and residents to stay safe. With the hurricane still moving toward the coast, the Outer Banks remain in a state of high alert, with emergency crews working around the clock to minimize harm and protect life.