Outer Banks Evacuations as Hurricane Erin Pounds Surf

Published on Aug 19, 2025, 7:04 am CDT

5 min read

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Hatteras Island as Hurricane Erin's expanding wind field pushes long-period swell toward North Carolina. Officials warn that coastal flooding and ocean overwash will coincide with high tides from Tuesday, August 19, through Thursday, August 21, likely making stretches of N.C. 12 impassable for periods. Storm Surge and Tropical Storm Watches are posted for parts of the Outer Banks, with 15 to 20 plus foot surf, dangerous rip currents, and rapid beach erosion expected along the immediate coast.

Key Points

Why it matters: N.C. 12 could be cut repeatedly, isolating villages on Hatteras and Ocracoke.
Travel impact: Expect intermittent N.C. 12 closures near high tide, ferry priority for evacuation, and hazardous beach conditions.
What's next: Closest approach and peak surf are likely Wednesday into Thursday, with gradual improvement late week.
Storm Surge Watch, Cape Lookout to Duck; Tropical Storm Watch, Beaufort Inlet to Duck including Pamlico Sound.
Surf in the 15 to 20 plus foot range will drive severe erosion and overwash.

Snapshot

Dare County's order covers all of Hatteras Island, including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Visitor evacuation began Monday morning, with resident evacuation following Tuesday morning. Dare officials caution that the road may become impassable beginning with the Tuesday evening high tide, and for multiple cycles afterward. Hyde County has ordered evacuations for Ocracoke, and the N.C. Ferry System is assisting with departures to Hatteras, Cedar Island, and Swan Quarter. Even without a U.S. landfall, Erin's offshore track will send a long-duration swell and persistent onshore winds, bringing coastal flooding, treacherous rip currents, and beach loss through Thursday.

Background

The Outer Banks are narrow barrier islands where essential access relies on N.C. 12, a low-lying corridor vulnerable to storm surge and ocean overwash. During major swell events, water and sand can push across the roadway, forcing closures until tides recede and crews clear debris. Erin formed on August 11 and underwent rapid intensification over very warm water before turning north. Forecast guidance continues to keep the center offshore by a couple of hundred miles, but the storm's large wave field extends far from the eye. The National Weather Service expects a prolonged coastal flooding episode, with impacts starting Tuesday afternoon, peaking Wednesday night into Thursday, and easing late week as swell subsides.

Latest Developments

Outer Banks evacuations timeline and travel guidance

Dare County declared a State of Emergency on August 17 and issued a mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island. Visitors were directed to leave beginning 10 a.m. Monday, August 18; residents were directed to evacuate beginning 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 19. Officials warned that parts of N.C. 12 may become impassable as early as the Tuesday evening high tide, with additional closures likely during subsequent high tides. Hyde County ordered evacuations for Ocracoke, and the Ferry Division is moving traffic off the island while sea conditions allow.

Watches, surf, and tide cycles to Thursday

As of early Tuesday, a Storm Surge Watch is in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Beaufort Inlet to Duck, including Pamlico Sound. NWS Morehead City projects 15 to 20 plus foot breaking waves in the surf zone, with life-threatening rip currents most of the week. Coastal flooding may begin Tuesday afternoon, more than a day before any tropical-storm-force gusts arrive, and roadway impacts will be worst near high tides through Thursday.

East Coast rip current risk extends beyond North Carolina

Large, long-period swell from Erin will spread hazardous surf and strong rip currents along much of the U.S. East Coast. Forecasters and national outlets have highlighted an elevated rescue risk at popular beaches, even hundreds of miles from the storm center. Travelers should treat red flags as no-swim orders and avoid jetties, piers, and inlets where currents accelerate.

Analysis

Erin's primary travel risk is isolation, not wind damage. Hatteras Island communities can be cut off quickly when ocean overwash crosses N.C. 12, which complicates emergency access and supply runs. Even brief breaks in the dune line can take multiple tide cycles to stabilize, so closures often repeat until seas subside. Lodging cancellations, short-notice checkouts, and delayed turnovers are likely through Thursday. Ferry operations are focused on evacuation, and schedules can change with wind and sea state. If you are holding Outer Banks lodging this week, coordinate with your property manager before traveling, and confirm reentry requirements if bridges or N.C. 12 are restricted. For cruise and broader travel effects tied to Erin's swell and shifting routes, see our ongoing coverage, including Hurricane Erin Travel Update: Flights, Cruises, Outer Banks and Hurricane Erin Cruise Updates: Itineraries and Ports. Expect beach access limitations, red-flag conditions, and localized sound-side flooding on a north to northeast wind, especially Thursday.

Final Thoughts

Through Thursday, plan for intermittent N.C. 12 closures near high tide, restricted beach access, and ferry operations prioritized for evacuation. The forecast favors steady improvement late week as swell fades, but dune and shoulder repairs may continue after the surf drops. If you are not yet on the islands, postpone arrival and work with your host to rebook once access is stable. Safety messaging from local officials and NWS should govern decisions until the watches are lifted and reentry guidance is issued following the Outer Banks evacuations.