Hurricane Erin is making its presence felt, even without making landfall on the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center issued a stark warning Monday about the storm’s expected impacts, highlighting “life-threatening surf and rip currents” along beaches from the Bahamas to Atlantic Canada. Tropical storm conditions are set to affect North Carolina’s Outer Banks beginning Wednesday, with forecasts predicting significant coastal flooding.
“Many of you may assume that with the offshore track of Hurricane Erin over the next several days, there will be little to no impacts to the East Coast of the United States,” said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. He insisted that this assumption could not be further from the truth for areas like the Outer Banks, where conditions are likely to worsen.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Outer Banks can expect waves reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet. Rhome cautioned that breaking waves and coastal flooding could “overwash dunes and flood homes,” making roads impassable. Evacuations have already been ordered for some areas, as officials anticipate the potential for severe flooding. Hatteras Island could soon be cut off from the mainland as water levels rise, as reported by USA Today.
By early Tuesday, Erin had sustained winds of 115 mph, classifying it as a Category 3 storm, with gusts hitting 155 mph. Predictions indicate that the storm will track between Hatteras Island and Bermuda before shifting northeast to the Atlantic Ocean.
The dangers began early, with New Hanover County reporting about 75 rip-current rescues on North Carolina’s southern coast on Monday alone. A no-swim order is in effect through Friday at Wrightsville Beach, further stressing caution among residents and visitors.
Officials at Cape Hatteras National Seashore reminded vacationers of the serious risks ahead. The coastal flood watch warns of substantial beach erosion and potential coastal damage, posing threats to life and property. “Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions are expected, as well as wave action resulting in significant beach erosion,” they stated, urging visitors to steer clear of the beaches and avoid any beach trails and boardwalks starting Tuesday morning.
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