Hurricane Erin is causing major disruptions along the Atlantic coast as it moves slowly northward. The storm, which was once a powerful Category 5 hurricane, has weakened but still packs sustained winds of 110 to 115 mph. Although it is expected to remain offshore, its effects are being felt far and wide, particularly in North Carolina.
Local officials in North Carolina are taking swift action to protect residents and visitors. Dare County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras Island, warning that the main evacuation route, N.C. Highway 12, could become impassable. The county is currently under a State of Emergency, and transportation to shelters has been arranged for those needing assistance.
In addition, Hyde County has ordered the evacuation of Ocracoke Island, with residents required to leave by Tuesday morning. Will Ray, the state’s Emergency Management director, reassured the public that emergency teams are ready to assist local communities throughout the week.
The National Hurricane Center has issued storm surge watches from Cape Lookout to Duck, predicting that water levels could rise two to four feet above normal. Rip currents have already led to over 60 rescues at Wrightsville Beach, prompting officials to advise against swimming. Sam Proffitt from Ocean Rescue warned that the powerful swells are creating hazardous swimming conditions.
Further north in New Jersey, beach access has been restricted, with swimming bans in place across Wildwood and Margate City. At Island Beach State Park, all water activities have been suspended due to safety concerns.
Wave heights along the coast are expected to reach 15 to 20 feet, with offshore waves possibly hitting up to 22 feet in the Hudson Canyon. Authorities fear significant beach erosion and damage to protective dune systems, with the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras warning that these dunes could be severely impacted.
This situation is not just a matter of immediate safety; it also highlights ongoing financial challenges for property owners and insurers. Last year’s Hurricane Helene caused over $53 billion in damages in North Carolina, marking it as the costliest disaster in the state’s history. Alarmingly, flood insurance coverage remains low, with less than 3% of homes in North Carolina and only 9% in South Carolina having protection against flood damage.
As a result, insurance companies are seeking rate increases, with an average hike of 42% across North Carolina. Coastal areas are facing even steeper increases, as the pressure on both private and public insurance systems grows with storms like Erin.
Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center, urged coastal residents to stay alert, emphasizing that the ocean will not be safe during this storm. He noted that wave heights could exceed 30 feet offshore.
For those in the insurance industry, the message is clear: even storms that don’t make landfall can still cause significant destruction. Hurricane Erin serves as a reminder that the risks associated with hurricanes extend beyond direct hits, affecting communities and their resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.