Island communities off the coast of North Carolina are preparing for potential flooding as they face the impact of Hurricane Erin, the year's first Atlantic hurricane. Although meteorologists assert that the storm is unlikely to make direct landfall in the United States, officials from several islands along North Carolina's Outer Banks have issued evacuation orders. They have cautioned residents that some roads may be inundated by waves reaching up to 15 feet (4.6 meters).

As of early Monday, Hurricane Erin had intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that the storm began to affect the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as the southeast Bahamas. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for these regions, further highlighting the potential for severe weather.

Despite the confidence that Erin will shift northeast and away from the eastern U.S., forecasters expect that North Carolina's coast will experience tropical storm-force winds, perilous waves, and rip currents. Dave Roberts from the National Hurricane Center emphasized that coastal flooding is anticipated to commence on Tuesday.

Evacuation orders have been particularly focused on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, even as residents are informed that direct landfall is not expected. The National Weather Service has raised alarms about the possibility of significant road flooding due to rough surf, high winds, and elevated waves, which may disrupt transportation along the low-lying barrier islands. Highway 12 on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands are identified as the areas facing the highest risk of storm surge-related damage.

Erin's outer bands also affected Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, where they brought heavy rainfall and tropical-storm level winds on Sunday. The situation has heightened concerns among locals as these islands brace for potential devastation. Storm surge, defined as the elevated sea level during a storm, can create dire conditions, especially when combined with high tides. A 15-foot storm surge at high tide can result in far more catastrophic impacts than at low tide.

The strength of Hurricane Erin has been inconsistent over the past week. It reached a perilous Category 5 status with winds reaching 160 mph (260 kph) before diminishing. Nonetheless, the hurricane is projected to maintain its status as a major storm into midweek. As Richard Pasch from the National Hurricane Center stated, "You’re dealing with a major hurricane. The intensity is fluctuating. It’s a dangerous hurricane in any event."

Though Hurricane Erin is the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season, it follows four tropical storms that have already developed this year. Notably, Tropical Storm Chantal marked the first U.S. landfall of the season in early July, leading to severe flooding in North Carolina that tragically resulted in the loss of an elderly woman’s life when her vehicle was swept away. Moreover, at least 132 fatalities occurred in Texas Hill Country due to flooding on the Fourth of July. Just days later, flash floods hit New York City and parts of New Jersey, claiming two lives.

The communities along North Carolina’s coast are taking precautionary measures as they face the looming threat posed by Hurricane Erin. With a combination of heavy surf, high winds, and the potential for significant storm surge, the coastal regions must remain vigilant to mitigate the impacts of this powerful storm.