Hurricane Erin approaches: NWS warns of storm surge flooding and life-threatening conditions
The NWS has issued several warnings for Hurricane Erin's passage near the U.S. East Coast. Here are the affected areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings as Hurricane Erin, a Category 2 storm, tracks northward just off the U.S. East Coast.
While Erin is not expected to make landfall, forecasters warn that the storm will generate life-threatening surf and rip currents along much of the East Coast over the next several days.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Storm Surge Warning from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina, and a Tropical Storm Warning from Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, to Chincoteague, Virginia.
Aug 20 5PM EDT: Here are the latest Key Messages for #Erin For the latest visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/FoezEECwhW
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 20, 2025
The NHC cautions that storm surge flooding will combine with large, battering waves, leading to significant beach erosion, roadway washouts, and impassable coastal routes.
Outer Banks, NC: Tropical storm conditions and storm surge flooding are expected through Thursday.
Virginia Coast: Tropical storm conditions are likely Thursday.
Mid-Atlantic to Southern New England: Tropical storm-force gusts are possible Thursday into early Friday.
Where is Hurricane Erin going next?
Erin is forecast to turn north-northeast on Wednesday night, before accelerating northeastward and east-northeastward Thursday into Friday. The storm’s center will remain over the western Atlantic between the East Coast and Bermuda through early Friday, then move into southern Atlantic Canada Friday and Saturday.
The NHC said some strengthening is possible within the next 24 hours, and Erin could briefly regain major hurricane status. Weakening is expected to begin Friday, though the storm is forecast to remain a hurricane through the weekend.
Officials urge residents in affected areas to monitor alerts, avoid the water, and prepare for flooding and hazardous travel conditions.
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