LIVE – Updated at 9:18 PM
North Carolinahas been declared a state of emergency and over 2,000 individuals have been relocated due to Hurricane Erincontinues to move northward and toward the United States. East Coast.
Tropical storm-level winds and surge conditions are expected to become more intense in theOuter Banks region of The Tar Heel Stateand parts of coastal Virginia during the day, according to theNational Hurricane Center.
Over 2,000 individuals were transported by boat from Ocracoke Island, which is a part ofOuter Banks, the governor’s office stated, noting that the service “will remain in effect as long as the weather remains favorable.”
Erin is expected to generate “powerful” waves that may rise as high as 20 feet, along with “life-threatening” surf and strong rip currents, according to a warning from the meteorologist on Wednesday, leading to the shutdown of beaches throughout the area.east coast.
The alerts arrived just days after 130mph winds and heavy rain hit the Caribbean, causing power outages for tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans, as Erin was later classified as a Category 2 hurricane.
The storm developed on August 11 from a tropical wave that passed over the Cabo Verde Islands and was classified as a hurricane on August 15 – marking it as one of the quickest intensifying hurricanes in history.
Key Points
- Hurricane Erin: A Category 2 storm is moving toward the U.S. East Coast
- What is Erin’s journey and direction?
Summary: Hurricane Erin approaches the U.S. East Coast
18:12 , Mike Bedigan
Here’s a summary of Wednesday’s events as reported by the National Hurricane Center.
- Hurricane Erin has approached the U.S. coast as a Category 2 storm, marking it among the quickest intensifying hurricanes in history. By midday on Wednesday, the storm was moving toward Category 3 status.
- Erin is anticipated to generate “life-threatening surf and rip currents” along the beaches of the Bahamas, the majority of the U.S. east coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada over the next few days.
- Individuals visiting the beaches in these regions have been urged to adhere to guidance provided by lifeguards, local officials, and beach warning signals, with swimming being discouraged at “most” eastern coastline beaches by midday on Wednesday.
- A storm surge and tropical storm conditions are anticipated in the North Carolina Outer Banks, prompting state Governor Josh Stein to announce a state of emergency.
- The tidal surge will be followed by significant waves, some reaching as high as 20 feet, along with the risk of inundation.
- Tropical storm conditions are anticipated on Thursday along the Virginia coastline, with strong winds from a tropical storm expected along parts of the rest of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region and southern New England coasts from Thursday into early Friday.
Watch: The eye of Hurricane Erin rotating
21:18 , Mike Bedigan
Dare County to cut off water supply to sections of the Outer Banks
21:02 , Mike Bedigan
Dare County, covering a significant portion of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, has stated that its water department will cut off water supply to a section of the Buxton village.
The shutdown will take place by 5 p.m. because of concerns related to ocean overwash caused by Hurricane Erin.
When a storm’s waves exceed the height of the dunes, the water moves sand toward the land.
The county also asked anyone remaining on Hatteras Island to leave right away, or get ready to stay put.
Hurricane Erin’s path: Identifying regions expected to experience the effects of storm surge and 10-foot waves
20:20 , Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Erin is moving across the Atlantic toward the U.S. East Coast, but it seems it will turn north and avoid making landfall in the contiguous 48 states.
Even if the storm does not directly impact the East Coast, residents in those regions will still experience the storm’s effects through hazardous waves and possible heavy rainfall.
Graig Graziosi has more:
Hurricane Erin’s path: Identifying regions expected to experience the storm’s effects
Beaches in New Jersey were also closed because of Hurricane Erin.
19:53 , Mike Bedigan
New Jersey’s beaches will remain closed for the rest of the week because of Hurricane Erin, according to the governor’s office.
“Hurricane Erin is anticipated to generate hazardous rip currents along the coast for the coming days,” Phil Murphy stated on X.
Please refrain from swimming in the ocean, particularly when there are no lifeguards around. Your safety is more crucial than extending your beach time before summer ends.
Over 2,000 people have been evacuated from the Outer Banks region in North Carolina.
19:40 , Mike Bedigan
Over 2,000 individuals have been relocated from Ocracoke Island, which is located within the Outer Banks of North Carolina, according to the governor’s office.
Evacuations are being conducted by a ferry service that will “continue as long as the weather remains favorable.”
Close by Hatteras Island, the main impact of Hurricane Erin is anticipated to start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Officials have expressed worry that they might not be able to carry out rescues or respond effectively because of high tides, which are expected to be worsened by storm surges and powerful waves.
Hurricane Erin captured in remarkable 0.5km-resolution images
19:27 , Mike Bedigan
Watch: Erin’s Effect – Challenging Waves and Strong Currents
19:13 , Mike Bedigan
Summary: Hurricane Erin significantly changes its path following its impact on the Caribbean with rain and strong winds
19:00 , Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Erin unexpectedly changed direction on Wednesday as Category 2 winds headed toward the U.S. East Coast, leading to beach closures and a state of emergency declared in North Carolina.
Shortly after 130mph winds and heavy rain hit the Caribbean, leaving tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without electricity, concerns increased that Erin might strike the U.S. as a Category 2 hurricane this week. By midday, the storm was nearing Category 3 status.
Read the complete story here:
Hurricane Erin changes direction following its impact on the Caribbean with rain and strong winds.
North Carolina’s conditions are anticipated to worsen soon.
18:45 , Mike Bedigan
The National Hurricane Center has stated that conditions in North Carolina’s Outer Banks region are “expected to worsen soon.”
The weather expert also warned visitors to avoid swimming at “most” beaches along the U.S. eastern coastline because of “life-threatening waves and strong rip currents.”
Strong winds from Hurricane Erin caused the closure of beaches and swimming areas along the East Coast, from the Carolinas to New York City and Cape Cod.
18:30 , Mike Bedigan
Beaches stretching from the Carolinas to Cape Cod have been shut down as Hurricane Erin, which is quickly gaining strength, poses a threat of dangerous 15-foot waves, powerful rip currents, and storm surges along the East Coast.
On Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center advised swimmers to avoid most East Coast beaches because of “life-threatening surf and rip currents” caused by a strong Category 2 storm, which is expected to continue through at least Friday.
Isabel Keane has more:
Storm Erin closes East Coast beaches ranging from the Carolinas to New York City and Cape Cod
Powerful waves from Hurricane Erin were visible as far south as Florida.
18:02 , Mike Bedigan
“Various dangers” anticipated in the Virginia region
17:52 , Mike Bedigan
The National Weather Service based in Wakefield, Virginia, has stated that although Hurricane Erin is not predicted to hit land, there remains a chance of “various dangers throughout the region.”
“As Erin’s wind area grows, gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph are anticipated along the shoreline, which may lead to tree damage and electricity interruptions,” the meteorologist posted on X.
Tropical storm alert prolonged along the Virginia coastline
17:47 , Mike Bedigan
Watch: Hurricane Erin approaching Category 3 status
17:33 , Mike Bedigan
North Carolina Governor cautions about risks of flooding caused by Hurricane Erin
17:04 , Mike Bedigan
In addition to advisories regarding ocean swimming, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein highlighted the risks of flooding in the region due to Hurricane Erin.
Do not go through flooded areas,” Stein emphasized during a press conference on Wednesday morning, stating that “no one should be in the ocean.
“Face me, don’t sink,” he said.
Satellite images revealed the development of Hurricane Erin
16:45 , Mike Bedigan 
Possible storm surge flooding in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
16:37 , Mike Bedigan
The National Hurricane Storm Surge Center has issued a warning that storm surge flooding, combined with major wave effects, could occur along the Outer Banks of North Carolina due to Hurricane Erin starting later today.
New York City’s public beaches were shut down because of Hurricane Erin.
16:31 , Mike Bedigan
The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has declared that swimming in the ocean at public beaches will be banned for the next two days.
“New York City public beaches will be closed for swimming on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, because of a significant danger from rip currents caused by Hurricane Erin,” Adams stated in a message on X.
Strong swimmers can be quickly carried out to sea by rip currents.
Imagine: The National Hurricane Center’s forecast track for Erin
16:26 , Mike Bedigan 
People visiting the beach are advised not to swim at ‘most beaches along the U.S. East Coast’
16:21 , Mike Bedigan
The National Hurricane Center has recently warned swimmers to avoid “most” beaches along the U.S. East Coast because of “life-threatening waves and strong rip currents.”
Hurricane Erin: Route and Movement
15:56 , Mike Bedigan
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, here is the most recent information regarding the route and movement of Hurricane Erin.
Erin is anticipated to generate dangerous waves and strong rip currents.along the shores of the Bahamas, the eastern coast of the United States, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canadain the following days.
Expected are storm surge flooding and conditions associated with a tropical storm.in the Outer Banks of North CarolinaStarting on Wednesday or during the evening of Wednesday. The storm surge will be combined with big waves, causing substantial beach erosion and overwash that will make certain roads difficult to traverse.
Tropical storm conditions could occur on Thursdayalong the southern coast of Virginia.
These circumstances are also feasible on Bermuda on Thursday and Friday.
Interests elsewhere along the Coastal regions of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England, along with Atlantic Canada,should also keep an eye on Erin’s development, as strong winds are expected from Thursday to Saturday.
North Carolina’s governor shares latest information about the storm
15:36 , Mike Bedigan
During a statement on Wednesday morning, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that a state of emergency has been declared across the state.
Stein stated that the existence of “life-threatening” rip currents indicated that “no one should be in the water.”
“Currently, I want to highlight the significance of treating this storm with seriousness, as it is a serious storm and situations can worsen rapidly,” he stated.
The governor mentioned that multiple local states of emergency have been issued across different counties, along with evacuation directives.
Three rapid-water rescue teams and 200 members of the National Guard are already prepared, along with three Chinook helicopters stationed in Georgia, which are available to offer assistance if required.
Summary so far: Hurricane Erin significantly changes its path after bringing rain and strong winds to the Caribbean.
15:26 , Mike Bedigan
Here’s our current status:
Hurricane Erin unexpectedly changed direction as winds classified as Category 2 moved toward the U.S. East Coast.
Shortly after 130 mph winds and heavy rain hit the Caribbean, leaving tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without electricity, concerns increased that Erin might strike the U.S. as a Category 2 hurricane this week.
In a morning update on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami stated that the storm was expected to move away from U.S. shores and head toward the open ocean.
James Liddell has more:
Hurricane Erin changes direction following its impact on the Caribbean with rain and strong winds.
Storm Erin nears the U.S. East Coast
15:24 , Mike Bedigan
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s reporting on Hurricane Erin, as the storm draws near the U.S. East Coast.
Meteorologists have cautioned that the weather system is expected to produce “strong” waves, potentially reaching as high as 20 feet.
The National Hurricane Center issued a warning on Wednesday that wind speeds and storm surge situations would become more severe in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina and parts of coastal Virginia during the day.
It also cautioned that “life-threatening” waves and strong rip currents would occur along much of the U.S. eastern coastline this week, emphasizing that visitors to the beaches should heed the guidance of lifeguards and local officials.
