State emergency management officials in North Carolina are preparing for the possible impacts of Hurricane Erin, which is forecast to affect the Outer Banks as early as Tuesday. The State Emergency Response Team has been holding coordination calls with state and local agencies to assess potential impacts and organize response efforts.
North Carolina Emergency Management’s meteorologists are working closely with the National Hurricane Center to monitor updates and evaluate risks for the state. Both the State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh and the Eastern Regional Coordination Center are staffed and actively monitoring developments.
“The State Emergency Response Team is poised and ready to respond to any needs from our local communities this week,” said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. “As forecasted impacts become clearer, we will plan for the pre-positioning of any necessary resources for rapid deployment along our coast. In the meantime, all visitors and residents along the coast should follow the instructions of local emergency management officials to keep you and your family safe,” he added.
Forecasts indicate that coastal areas could experience tropical storm force winds, high surf with waves reaching 15-20 feet, flooding on roads and neighborhoods, and dangerous rip currents along the Outer Banks. In response, local emergency management officials in Dare and Hyde counties have issued evacuation orders.
Hyde County declared a local State of Emergency for Ocracoke Island. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for visitors beginning Sunday night at 8 p.m., with residents required to evacuate starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Dare County also declared a local State of Emergency, mandating evacuation for Hatteras Island communities including Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. Visitors began leaving Monday morning; residents must evacuate starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Residents along the coast are urged to make final preparations now. Officials recommend staying informed through reliable sources such as the National Weather Service or local media outlets. People should have disaster kits ready—especially if evacuating—and include essential documents, cash, prescriptions, phone chargers, and insurance policies. Authorities emphasize following evacuation orders promptly and warn against driving through flooded roadways due to safety concerns.
