Hurricane Erin Unleashes Dangerous Conditions on NC Outer Banks, Eastern Seaboard

As of Thursday, August 21, powerful Hurricane Erin is unleashing significant coastal impacts across the North Carolina Outer Banks and broader Eastern Seaboard, despite largely sparing a direct mainland hit. The massive storm, which intensified to near Category 3 strength yesterday with 110 mph sustained winds and a remarkably low central pressure, is currently passing approximately 250 miles east of North Carolina’s coast.

Emergency warnings remain in effect for portions of the North Carolina and Virginia coastlines. The primary threats are dangerous storm surge, massive waves, and life-threatening rip currents. Coastal flooding began affecting the Outer Banks on Wednesday evening, with NOAA forecasting major flooding at key tide gauges along the northern North Carolina coast and in Chesapeake Bay during Thursday evening’s high tide.

Waves reaching 10-20 feet in the surf zone, combined with a two to four-foot storm surge, are causing considerable coastal erosion and over wash, threatening to close or damage roadways and potentially destroy vulnerable coastal homes in the Outer Banks. While extensive heavy rain is not anticipated, sustained tropical-storm-force winds with higher gusts are possible.

Hurricane Erin is projected to continue its northeastward recurve out to sea towards Newfoundland, Canada, with a slow weakening trend expected as it encounters increasing wind shear. Residents along the affected coastlines are urged to remain vigilant and heed local advisories as the storm’s significant marine impacts persist.

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