Hurricane Erin Threatens East Coast with Life-Threatening Surf and Evacuations Ordered in North Carolina

Hurricane Erin has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph, marking the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season. Currently located about 90 miles east-northeast of Grand Turk Island, Erin is expected to continue strengthening slightly before a gradual weakening trend sets in. The storm is producing heavy rainfall across Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and parts of the Bahamas, with totals expected between 2 to 6 inches.

The storm’s powerful swells are already impacting the northern Leeward Islands and are projected to reach the U.S. East Coast early this week, generating life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents. Central Florida is expected to experience wave heights between 4 and 6 feet midweek, although the storm’s core remains offshore.

Emergency measures are being implemented in Dare County, North Carolina, where officials declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, August 17. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for all residents and visitors in Zone A of Hatteras Island, including villages such as Buxton, Avon, and Frisco. Visitor evacuations began August 18, with resident evacuations following on August 19.

Claims adjusters monitoring hurricane-related property and casualty claims should remain alert to regional developments, particularly along coastal North Carolina, where early evacuations and surf damage may lead to increased claim volume.