Dare County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island as the powerful Hurricane Erin approaches the coast. This order follows a local state of emergency declaration and aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors ahead of the storm’s potentially life-threatening impacts.
According to a statement from Dare County officials, all visitors in Hurricane Evacuation Zone A, which includes the entire Hatteras Island, must evacuate starting at 10 a.m. on Monday. Residents have been given additional time, with their mandatory evacuation scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. This staggered approach is designed to ease traffic congestion on the primary exit route, North Carolina Highway 12.
Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 3 storm on Sunday after briefly reaching a dangerous Category 5 status on Saturday. However, it is expected to regain strength. Although the storm’s center is not forecasted to make direct landfall on the U.S. East Coast, its expanding size and strong wind field pose a significant threat. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch, warning that a combination of high surf and storm surge is likely to cause severe coastal flooding, beach erosion, and ocean overwash. Officials have cautioned that certain portions of NC Highway 12 could become impassable for several days, potentially isolating the island and limiting access to emergency services.
Residents and visitors are urged to secure their properties and evacuate with all personal belongings. Officials recommend traveling westbound on Highway 64 to avoid congestion and minimize delays. As the storm draws closer, the Outer Banks are also expected to experience life-threatening rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions throughout the week.