National Hurricane Center Update on Hurricane Erin: Impacts and Forecast

Hurricane Erin Update

• 🌀 Hurricane Erin is a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, located northeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• ⚠️ Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, with tropical storm watches for the central Bahamas.

Rainfall and Flooding Potential

• 🌧️ Isolated rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with potential highs of 6 inches, are expected across the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos through Tuesday.
• 🌊 Flash and urban flooding are possible in these areas, as well as over Hispaniola.

Forecast Track and Size

• ➡️ The storm is expected to move northwest, then turn north, and accelerate northeastward into the North Atlantic by late week.
• 📈 Erin is predicted to grow dramatically in size, leading to dangerous marine conditions.

Coastal Impacts and Rip Currents

• 🌊 Dangerous and life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are anticipated across almost the entire US East Coast, from South Florida to New England.
• 🏖️ The North Carolina Outer Banks are expected to experience significant surf, beach erosion, and ocean overwash, particularly along Highway 12.
• ⚠️ Evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island, North Carolina.

Direct Impacts and Warnings

• ⚠️ Tropical storm conditions are possible for the Outer Banks of North Carolina by late Wednesday and for Bermuda from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
• 🚨 A tropical storm and storm surge watch may be issued for portions of the North Carolina Outer Banks soon.
• 🌊 Even with a distant hurricane, dangerous surf and rip currents can occur, so never assume the ocean is safe.
• 💻 Further information can be found at weather.gov/rip and hurricanes.gov.