Officials in North Carolina’s coastal Dare and Hyde counties have declared a state of emergency and issued mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands as Hurricane Erin is forecast to bring life-threatening conditions to the Outer Banks, despite its center remaining offshore.
The state of emergency for Dare County went into effect at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, following briefings from the National Weather Service that highlighted the significant threat posed by the storm. According to a report from WITN, while the hurricane is expected to stay off the coast, its increasing size will generate severe impacts. Hyde County officials also declared a state of emergency and ordered evacuations for Ocracoke Island, citing similar concerns over dangerous storm surge and coastal flooding.
In Dare County, a mandatory evacuation has been issued for Hatteras Island, designated as Zone A. This zone encompasses the unincorporated villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. The evacuation is staggered, with all visitors required to leave starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 18. Residents must evacuate beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, as reported by WTKR.
Similarly, Hyde County has mandated evacuations for Ocracoke Island. The order for visitors took effect at 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, while residents are required to evacuate by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19. “While Hurricane Erin is expected to stay well off our coast, the system will continue to increase in size and is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the Ocracoke coastline,” a statement from Hyde County officials read.
The primary threats are not from direct wind and rain but from the powerful effects the storm will have on the ocean. A Coastal Flood Watch is already in effect, with forecasters predicting major coastal flooding and ocean overwash from Tuesday, August 19, through Thursday, August 21. The National Weather Service warns of large, dangerous waves reaching up to 20 feet, which will cause severe beach erosion and create life-threatening rip currents along the coast. Officials fear these conditions could destroy protective dune structures, leading to the flooding of homes and businesses.
A critical concern for emergency managers is the integrity of N.C. Highway 12, the main artery connecting Hatteras Island to the mainland. Authorities have stated that portions of the highway will likely become impassable for several days due to the anticipated ocean overwash, effectively cutting off the island. This vulnerability is a key factor driving the mandatory evacuation orders.
Officials are urging all residents and visitors to take the warnings seriously, secure their property, and leave the islands with all their personal belongings. To mitigate traffic congestion, Dare County leaders have recommended that those evacuating to areas north of the county travel westbound on Highway 64 to Interstate 95. As a safety precaution, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean will be prohibited wherever double red flags are posted by ocean rescue agencies. The most dangerous rip current conditions are expected from Wednesday into Thursday.
