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Hurricane Erin Local Statement Advisory Number 35
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC  AL052025
1100 PM EDT Tue Aug 19 2025

This product covers Eastern North Carolina

**HURRICANE ERIN FORECAST TO RESTRENGTHEN TO A MAJOR HURRICANE BEFORE
PASSING OFFSHORE OF NC. COASTAL IMPACTS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN AND
CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN.**


NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
      for East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and
      Ocracoke Island
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Mainland Dare

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 540 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 530 miles
      south-southeast of Morehead City NC
    - 27.7N 73.0W
    - Storm Intensity 100 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 340 degrees at 12 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Erin is a Category 2 hurricane tonight and is expected to
regain major hurricane status as it moves northward tomorrow and
Thursday. While the center of Erin is expected to remain a couple
hundred miles off the North Carolina coast, it will bring significant
coastal impacts to eastern North Carolina due to its large size into
the end of the week.

Moderate to significant storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above
ground level is expected along the oceanside, resulting in a
significant threat to life and property. The worst impacts will likely
be felt along the Outer Banks, from Duck to Cape Lookout, with more
moderate impacts south of Cape Lookout. This is expected to be a
prolonged duration event which is already ongoing and will, peak
Wednesday into Thursday, then gradually improving late week, with
water levels peaking during the high tides. Portions of NC-12 and
secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and
Ocracoke Islands, will likely be impassable or inaccessible through
much of this week due to significant ocean overwash. Minor storm surge
inundation, 1 to 2 ft, will also be possible for soundside areas
adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound on Thursday and possibly into
Friday.

Erin is expected to increase in size over the next few days and
tropical storm force winds will be felt Wednesday night into Thursday
along the Outer Banks and Mainland Dare County.

Stronger and more frequent rip currents are expected along area
beaches through the week. Extensive beach erosion is also likely due
to strong long period wave energy with 10 to 20 foot waves in the surf
zone.

Very dangerous marine conditions will continue for the coastal waters,
sounds and rivers, with gusty winds and dangerous seas. This will
create treacherous conditions for mariners.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant
impacts across the Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras,
Ocracoke, and Core Banks to Cape Lookout. Potential impacts in this
area include:
    - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by
      waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast.
    - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become
      weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low
      spots.
    - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and
      numerous rip currents.
    - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in
      unprotected anchorages.

Also, protect against locally hazardous surge having possible limited
impacts across the Crystal Coast. Some minor inundation is also
possible for soundside locations on the the southern end of the Pamlico
Sound late Wednesday night and Thursday, and perhaps into early Friday.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras, Ocracoke, Core Banks,
portions of Down East Carteret and Mainland Dare County. Potential
impacts in this area include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible
limited impacts across portions of the Outer Banks. Potential impacts
include:
    - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
    - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents.
      Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen
      and overflow in spots.
    - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually
      vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water
      occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage
      areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become
      near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge
      closures.

Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is
anticipated.

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:
Life threatening rip currents and marine conditions will persist
through the week.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials. Portions of Dare and Hyde
counties are under mandatory evacuation orders.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don`t drown!

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Newport/Morehead City NC around 0500 EDT, or sooner if
conditions warrant.

$$