August 19, 2025

The clock is ticking for Hatteras Island! Dare County officials have bravely issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents and visitors, sending a loud warning before Hurricane Erin’s fierce arrival. The county is not taking chances and has declared a local state of emergency, urging everyone to leave the island for safety before the storm's harsh conditions slam the coast. The announcement was clear and urgent: "A State of Emergency declaration has been issued for all areas of Dare County, effective on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m." Visitors must pack up and head out starting 10 a.m. ET on Monday, August 18. Residents have a slightly later deadline, needing to evacuate by 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The evacuation includes the entire island — Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras — with authorities recommending everyone take westbound Highway 64 toward Interstate 95 to dodge traffic jams and reach safety smoothly. What’s coming? Though Hurricane Erin is expected to stay offshore, its monstrous size means it will still deliver deadly blows to the Outer Banks. Starting Tuesday, beware: severe coastal flooding and monstrous waves are on their way. The National Weather Service has slapped the region with a Coastal Flood Watch, warning that parts of North Carolina Highway 12 might be underwater and unusable for days! Adding to the trouble, a High Surf Advisory is active, predicting massive waves between 15 to 20 feet. Officials warned about dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, saying, "Extreme beach and coastal damage is likely," and "dangerous waves capable of breaching dunes, flooding inland areas, and causing structural damage to homes and businesses." In a recent update at 5 p.m. ET Sunday, the National Hurricane Center reported, "Hurricane Erin had maximum sustained winds near 125 mph and could strengthen further as it undergoes an eyewall replacement cycle." This hurricane won’t be backing down quickly — it’s expected to remain a fierce major hurricane through midweek. Erin will slowly turn north, stirring up dangerous surf and rip currents all along the US East Coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada. So for everyone living on or visiting Hatteras Island, the message is clear: pack your bags, follow evacuation orders, and stay safe. Hurricane Erin might be keeping its distance, but it’s packing a powerful punch that no one wants to face unprepared!

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Tags: Hurricane erin, Hatteras island evacuation, Dare county emergency, Coastal flood watch, High surf advisory,