Introduction to Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin is a powerful storm that is currently making its way up the East Coast of the United States. As of Wednesday, the storm was located about 400 miles south-southeast of North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras, and it is expected to bring high winds, large swells, and life-threatening rip currents to the coastal areas. The National Weather Service has issued rip current warnings, and several beaches have been closed due to the treacherous conditions.
Expected Impact of the Storm
The outer edges of the storm are expected to bring life-threatening surf and 100 mph winds to the East Coast, with the biggest threat being along the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, and more than 1,800 people have already left Ocracoke by ferry. The storm surge could swamp roads with waves of 15 feet, and there are concerns that parts of the main highway could be washed out, leaving some routes impassible for days.
Preparations and Warnings
New York City has closed its beaches to swimming, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered three state beaches on Long Island to prohibit swimming through Thursday. Several New Jersey beaches will also be temporarily off-limits, and some towns in Delaware have cut off ocean access. Off Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet later this week. Tropical storm watches have been issued for Virginia and North Carolina, as well as Bermuda.
The Storm’s Path and Strength
Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome storm, with its tropical storm winds stretching 265 miles from its core. Forecasters expect it to grow larger in size as it moves through the Atlantic and curls north. On Tuesday, it lashed the Turks and Caicos Islands, where government services were suspended and residents were ordered to stay home, along with parts of the Bahamas, before its expected turn toward Bermuda. Erin lost some strength from previous days and was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds around 100 mph.
Evacuations and Preparations on the Outer Banks
On the Outer Banks, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein warned coastal residents to be prepared to evacuate and declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. Bulldozers have been used to shore up the dunes, and trucks from the local power company are on hand to respond to downed wires. Some side roads have already seen some flooding on Hatteras, and the owners of a pier have removed a few planks, hoping the storm surge will pass through without tearing it up. Most residents have decided to stay, despite memories of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, when 7 feet of water swamped Ocracoke.
Vulnerability of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks’ thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands jutting into the Atlantic is increasingly vulnerable to storm surges. There are concerns that parts of the main highway could be washed out, leaving some routes impassible for days. Dozens of beach homes already worn down from chronic beach erosion and the loss of protective dunes could be at risk, according to David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Climate Change and Hurricane Intensification
Climate scientists say that Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms fueled by warmer oceans. Two years ago, Hurricane Lee grew with surprising speed while barreling offshore through the Atlantic, unleashing violent storms and rip currents. This trend is expected to continue, making it essential for coastal communities to be prepared for the increasing threat of hurricanes.
Conclusion
Hurricane Erin is a powerful storm that poses a significant threat to the East Coast, particularly the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With its high winds, large swells, and life-threatening rip currents, it is essential for residents and visitors to take necessary precautions and follow evacuation orders. The storm’s impact will be felt for several days, and it is crucial to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
FAQs
Q: What is the current location of Hurricane Erin?
A: As of Wednesday, Hurricane Erin is located about 400 miles south-southeast of North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras.
Q: What is the expected impact of the storm on the East Coast?
A: The outer edges of the storm are expected to bring life-threatening surf and 100 mph winds to the East Coast, with the biggest threat being along the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Q: Have evacuations been ordered?
A: Yes, mandatory evacuations have been ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, and more than 1,800 people have already left Ocracoke by ferry.
Q: What is the storm’s current strength?
A: Erin is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds around 100 mph.
Q: How will climate change affect hurricanes in the future?
A: Climate scientists say that Atlantic hurricanes are now much more likely to rapidly intensify into powerful and catastrophic storms fueled by warmer oceans.
