Hurricane Erin Update: Life-Threatening Rip Currents, Evacuations, and Growing East Coast Danger

Hurricane Erin—the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season—has intensified significantly, triggering widespread concerns across the Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast. On Monday, August 18, authorities issued urgent evacuation orders for parts of North Carolina, as the massive storm system continues to grow in size and strength.

Erin’s central pressure plunged to 933 millibars early this morning, a steep 12-millibar drop within just three hours, based on data from two hurricane hunter aircraft missions. This sharp decline signals a likely increase in maximum sustained winds, prompting meteorologists to issue warnings about dangerous impacts extending well beyond the forecast cone.

Despite remaining offshore, Hurricane Erin’s expanding influence is already affecting coastal regions. Swells generated by the system are set to bring life-threatening rip currents from Florida to New Jersey, and up to New England later this week. Even in areas not directly in the storm’s path, local governments are urging residents and beachgoers to remain vigilant and avoid the surf.

Image source: weather.com

What Makes Hurricane Erin Especially Dangerous for the East Coast?

The sheer size of Hurricane Erin makes it especially perilous. While it’s not expected to make direct landfall on the U.S. mainland, meteorologists warn that many of its most dangerous effects—including powerful rip currents, high surf, and dangerous waves—will hit areas far outside the forecast cone. This includes beach communities up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman noted that wave action will likely increase steadily throughout the week. The National Hurricane Center also emphasized that conditions could appear deceptively calm at shorelines, yet strong currents could still endanger swimmers and surfers.

Local officials are reinforcing safety measures by issuing advisories and, in some regions, restricting beach access entirely.

Evacuations Begin in North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Early this morning, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for multiple areas in North Carolina’s Outer Banks:

• Ocracoke Island: All visitors were told to leave immediately. Residents are required to evacuate by 6 a.m. EDT Tuesday.

• Hatteras Island: Zone A evacuations begin at 10 a.m. EDT Monday for visitors and 8 a.m. EDT Tuesday for residents.

• Hyde and Dare counties have both declared a state of emergency to streamline the evacuation and resource deployment process.

These preemptive evacuations are aimed at avoiding the logistical complications seen during previous storm events when delayed decisions led to overwhelmed infrastructure.

Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands: Power Outages and Flooding

Over the weekend, Erin swept past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing intense rainfall, damaging winds, and large waves. According to Luma Energy, Puerto Rico’s primary power grid operator, about 3.7% of customers were still without electricity as of early Monday morning. The hardest-hit areas include Caguas, Mayagüez, and San Juan, where crews are working around the clock to restore service.

In Guayama, Puerto Rico, floodwaters surrounded homes as heavy rains lashed the island. Emergency responders reported multiple rescues and warned of flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Why Erin’s Forecast Cone Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Meteorologists stress that the commonly seen “cone of uncertainty” on hurricane forecast maps only represents the probable track of the storm’s center—not the extent of its dangerous effects.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese explained that many of a hurricane’s hazards—especially rip currents, storm surge, and outer bands of rain—occur well outside that cone. This reinforces the importance of staying informed and following local advisories even if your area isn’t within the storm’s projected path.

As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring Hurricane Erin’s path and intensity. If current trends continue, the storm could intensify further throughout the day, with updated advisories expected by 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. EDT.

Residents along the East Coast, from Florida to Maine, are urged to prepare for possible impacts, especially along beaches. Coastal flooding, beach erosion, and travel disruptions may also occur later in the week.

State and local emergency agencies are urging travelers to monitor alerts and avoid coastal areas unless absolutely necessary.

Stay safe, stay informed, and prepare early. Hurricane Erin is proving that even storms far offshore can pose serious threats.

For your information:

Is Hurricane Erin expected to make landfall in the U.S.?
As of August 18, Hurricane Erin is not forecast to make direct landfall on the U.S. mainland. However, its large size means dangerous conditions—including rip currents and high surf—will still affect the East Coast.

What areas are under evacuation due to Hurricane Erin?
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island in North Carolina. Hyde and Dare counties are under a state of emergency.

How strong is Hurricane Erin now?
As of the latest update, Erin has a central pressure of 933 millibars, indicating a very powerful storm. Winds are expected to strengthen further today.

What dangers does Hurricane Erin pose to the East Coast?
Even without a direct hit, Erin’s swells and wind field are causing life-threatening rip currents and large waves from Florida to New England.

What happened in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Erin?
Puerto Rico experienced widespread rain, wind, and flooding. Tens of thousands were without power, especially in urban centers like San Juan and Mayagüez.

When will Hurricane Erin’s impacts be felt along the U.S. coast?
Swells and rip currents are expected to begin today (Monday) and intensify throughout the week, with dangerous surf conditions lasting into the weekend.