U.S. Orders Evacuations in North Carolina as Hurricane Erin Undergoes “Dramatic” Growth

US orders evacuations due to Erin

Waves to exceed 15 meters

Hurricane to grow “dramatically”

Category 4 Hurricane Erin is threatening to become one of the most dangerous cyclones of the season as it tracks parallel to the US East Coast.

The storm is expected to grow “dramatically” in size over the coming days, prompting authorities to order evacuations in North Carolina.

The tourist islands of Ocracoke and Hatteras, with about 5,000 residents, are under mandatory evacuation orders due to the risk of storm surge and rip currents.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Erin is located 180 kilometers north of the Turks and Caicos Islands with sustained winds of 220 kilometers per hour.

NHC warns of “dramatic” growth of Hurricane Erin

US orders evacuations due to Erin-Photo: Shutterstock

Meteorologists say its trajectory has shifted slightly westward, bringing the cyclone closer to the US coast.

The NHC warned that the hurricane will expand significantly in size, generating waves up to 15 meters high as it moves north.

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“The strong winds, along with life-threatening waves and rip currents, require the immediate evacuation of vulnerable coastal areas,” stated the latest bulletin.

The system is moving northwest at 17 kilometers per hour, with a turn toward the north expected between Monday and Tuesday, according to EFE.

Path approaching US coast

Forecasts indicate hurricane Erin will pass southeast of the Bahamas before continuing its path between Bermuda and the US East Coast midweek.

While a direct landfall is not expected, its massive size will cause severe effects across hundreds of kilometers.

Rainfall is already intensifying in the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas.

Up to 150 millimeters of rain are expected, with risks of urban flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.

Heavy rains and flooding risk

The NHC also warned of possible minor coastal flooding in regions where storm surge coincides with high tide.

Local authorities reinforced warnings to residents and tourists, reminding them that the ocean can become deadly even far from the hurricane’s eye.

Erin’s hurricane-force winds extend 130 kilometers from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach 370 kilometers.

The cyclone’s strength has been felt throughout much of the Caribbean, though without catastrophic consequences so far.

Hurricane Erin impacts in Puerto Rico and Cape Verde

In Puerto Rico, hurricane Erin brought heavy rains and wind gusts over the weekend but caused no significant damage.

The storm originated as a tropical depression near Cape Verde last week, where it left seven people dead.

It became a hurricane on Friday, joining Andrea, Barry, Chantal, and Dexter on the list of Atlantic systems in 2025.

Of these storms, only Chantal made landfall in the US, killing two people in North Carolina in July, according to Univision.

Safety recommendations and travel suspensions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned that the current hurricane season will be “above normal.”

Experts agree that Erin’s “dramatic” growth makes it an extremely dangerous hurricane even without a direct landfall.

The US Coast Guard issued navigation advisories and urged the suspension of tourist trips along the East Coast.

Regional airports have also announced possible flight cancellations and delays due to adverse conditions, reported EFE and Univisión.