Dare County Emergency Management is actively monitoring Hurricane Erin and reminds local residents and Outer Banks visitors that it’s never too soon to prepare for potential impacts.  

While the National Hurricane Center’s forecast currently shows Hurricane Erin staying off the coast of North Carolina, forecasters note that uncertainty remains regarding specific impacts along the East Coast of the United States.    

As of this afternoon (Friday, August 15, 2025), the National Weather Service indicates that, despite uncertainty in Hurricane Erin’s path, marine and coastal hazards are expected. These hazards will increase as large, powerful and life-threatening long-period swell brings the potential for significant beach erosion and coastal flooding. 

Key hazards include:

• Life-threatening rip currents, which are expected for most of next week.

• Coastal flooding, which is expected to begin with Monday’s high tide, peak Tuesday and Wednesday, and then diminish later next week. Portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island may become impassable at times, particularly during high tide.

Residents and visitors who are located in areas with vulnerable dune structures should be ready to take action to protect property from ocean overwash. On Hatteras Island, these areas include the north end of Rodanthe as well as Buxton. If you are standing at ground level and there is little to no dune between you and the ocean, you are in a vulnerable area.

For daily beach conditions—including the status of beach warning flags on Dare County beaches—visit LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com or simply text “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295 to receive alerts.

To view a video explaining Dare County’s universal beach warning flag system—which helps residents and visitors understand ocean conditions and recognize potential hazards along all Outer Banks beaches from Duck to Hatteras—click here. 

For details on the forecast for Hurricane Erin, as well as the most up-to-date information from the National Hurricane Center, please click the button below.

National Hurricane Center Website

To view the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City, N.C., please click the button below.

View the Latest Briefing from the National Weather Service

For additional preparedness tips and information, visit ReadyNC.gov. To sign up to receive customized emergency alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, countywide evacuation orders and other time-critical notifications—please visit OBXAlerts.com.