Hurricane Erin may bring ocean overwash, elevated rip currents to the Outer Banks next week

Dare County Emergency Management is urging residents and visitors throughout the Outer Banks to remain vigilant as Hurricane Erin approaches the East Coast. Although the storm’s exact path remains uncertain, coastal and marine hazards are expected to affect Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands starting early next week.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), life-threatening rip currents are forecast for most of next week, driven by large, long-period swells generated by Erin.

Coastal flooding is expected to begin with Monday’s high tide, peaking Tuesday and Wednesday, before gradually easing later in the week.

Ocean overwash may make sections of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands impassable during high tide cycles, and may impact Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service. Areas with compromised dune lines, such as Pea Island, northern Buxton, and northern Ocracoke Island may be especially vulnerable to ocean overwash.

The National Hurricane Center’s current model keeps Hurricane Erin offshore of North Carolina’s coast, but uncertainty remains regarding the exact path and potential impacts. Meteorologists warn that elevated surf and a heightened risk of rip currents will affect the Outer Banks regardless of a direct storm landfall.

What to keep in mind

Rip currents: Especially dangerous over the coming week—swimmers are urged to use caution or avoid entering the water.
Potential ocean overwash: Expected to start Monday and peak mid-week, and N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted.
Protect your property: Residents in oceanfront areas with minimal dunes should prepare for potential overwash or flooding. Soundside flooding is not expected as of Friday afternoon.

A list of local Outer Banks resources for information is below.

For alerts and notifications from Dare County on a customizable list of events or emergencies, (including hurricane evacuations and updates), visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/emergency-management/emergency-alerts.
For rip current information and other beach hazards, sign up for text alerts from Dare County, ocean rescue agencies, and the National Weather Service by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.
For real-time flood maps that show water level rises throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, (as well as optional alerts), visit the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network.
For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
For up-to-date information on tropical conditions, follow the NWS at gov/mhx/tropical or visit the National Hurricane Center’s website. Just pay attention to all info, and not just the cone graphics.
To sign up for the Special Needs Registry for hurricane assistance through Dare County, visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/health-human-services/special-medical-needs-registry or call 252-475-5599.
For Dare County hurricane information, including reentry procedures, visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/emergency-management/hurricanes.
For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins.
For up-to-the-minute local information on hurricanes, as they happen, listen to Radio Hatteras at 101.5 (Avon through Hatteras) and 99.9 (Tri-villages), or visit them online at https://www.radiohatteras.org/.
For online news coverage on active storms, continue to check the Island Free Press.