Hurricane Erin is flexing its power as it churns along the East Coast, forcing beach closures, dangerous rip currents, and flooding threats from Florida to New England. The storm, currently a strong Category 2 with winds near 110 mph, is projected to intensify further within the next 48 hours — possibly regaining major hurricane strength.
Although Erin is not expected to make direct landfall before veering out to sea, its sheer size makes it dangerous. Tropical-storm-force winds stretch nearly 500 miles across, sending massive waves and storm surge crashing against vulnerable coastlines. In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, water has already begun spilling over the main highway, threatening to cut off villages and vacation homes.
Officials have ordered evacuations on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, but many residents are choosing to stay. “We probably wouldn’t stay if it was coming directly at us,” said Rob Temple, a local sailboat operator. “But our biggest worry is being cut off if the road washes out.”
New York City has closed beaches to swimming, with similar restrictions in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Off Massachusetts, waves could top 10 feet later this week, while North Carolina officials warn of surges reaching 20 feet. Rescuers are already overwhelmed — more than 80 swimmers were pulled from rip currents in a single day at Wrightsville Beach.
Experts stress that even seasoned swimmers should not underestimate the sea. “You can be aware all you want,” warned National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec. “It can still be dangerous.”
Adding to the concern, two tropical systems are forming east of Erin, highlighting an active and potentially dangerous Cape Verde hurricane season fueled by warm Atlantic waters.
