Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hurricane Erin has forced tourists to cut their vacations short on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, even though the monster storm is expected to stay offshore after lashing part of the Caribbean with rain and wind on Monday. The storm’s outer edges have already caused significant damage and disruption, with evacuations ordered on some barrier islands along the Carolina coast.
Evacuations and Storm Warnings
Authorities have warned that the storm could churn up dangerous rip currents and swamp roads with waves of 15 feet (4.6 meters). Tropical storm and surge watches were issued Monday for much of the Outer Banks. Officials at the Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, North Carolina, reported to the National Weather Service rescuing at least 60 swimmers from rip currents on Monday.
Tourists and residents waited for hours in a line of cars at Ocracoke Island’s ferry dock — the only way to leave other than by plane. Seth Brotherton, of Catfish, North Carolina, whose weeklong fishing trip ended after two days, said, “We definitely thought twice. But they said ‘mandatory’ and that pretty much means, ‘get out of here.’”
Storm Intensity and Forecast
Forecasters are confident Erin will curl north and away from the eastern U.S., but it’s still expected to whip up wild waves and tropical force winds along the coastal islands, according to Dave Roberts of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm intensified to a Category 4 with 140 mph (225 kph) maximum sustained winds Monday while pelting the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the southeast Bahamas.
By Monday night, sustained winds had dropped some to 125 mph (200 kph) with Erin about 690 miles (1,110 kilometers) southwest of Bermuda and about 780 miles (1,255 kilometers) southeast of Cape Hatteras. Government officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands said all services were suspended on three of its islands and ordered residents there to stay home. Some ports also closed.
Impact on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
On North Carolina’s Outer Banks, coastal flooding was expected to begin Tuesday and continue through Thursday. The evacuations that began Monday on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke came at the height of tourist season on the thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that jut into the Atlantic Ocean and are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges.
A year ago, Hurricane Ernesto stayed hundreds of miles offshore yet still produced high surf and swells that caused coastal damage. This time, there are concerns that several days of heavy surf, high winds, and waves could wash out parts of the main highway, the National Weather Service said. Some routes could be impassible for several days, authorities warned.
Climate Change and Hurricane Intensification
Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change. Global warming is causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and is spiking ocean temperatures, and warmer waters give hurricanes fuel to unleash more rain and strengthen more quickly.
Daniel Pullen, a professional photographer who lives on Hatteras Island, said he’s already lost three days of work shooting family portraits because of the evacuation order. Pullen doesn’t plan to evacuate, fearing he could be stuck off the island for days and even weeks if the main Highway 12 washes out.
Preparations and Warnings
Erin, the year’s first Atlantic hurricane, reached a dangerous Category 5 status Saturday with 160 mph (260 kph) winds before weakening. It is expected to remain a large hurricane into midweek. “You’re dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It’s a dangerous hurricane in any event,” the hurricane center’s Richard Pasch said.
Bermuda will experience the most severe threat Thursday evening, said Phil Rogers, director of the Bermuda Weather Service. By then, waters could swell up to 24 feet (7.3 meters). “Surfers, swimmers, and boaters must resist the temptation to go out. The waters will be very dangerous and lives will be placed at risk,” acting Minister of National Security Jache Adams said.
Conclusion
Hurricane Erin has already caused significant disruption and damage, and its impact is expected to be felt for several days. As the storm continues to move north, it’s essential for residents and tourists to follow evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The storm’s intensity and forecast are subject to change, and it’s crucial to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
A: Hurricane Erin is currently a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kph).
Q: Where is Hurricane Erin expected to make landfall?
A: Forecasters do not expect Hurricane Erin to make landfall, but it is expected to bring wild waves and tropical force winds to the coastal islands.
Q: What are the evacuation orders for North Carolina’s Outer Banks?
A: Evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke, with residents and tourists advised to leave the area immediately.
Q: How long is the storm expected to last?
A: The storm is expected to remain a large hurricane into midweek, with coastal flooding expected to begin Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
Q: What are the concerns about climate change and hurricane intensification?
A: Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change, with global warming causing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor and spiking ocean temperatures.
