Hurricane Erin: What It Means for the Carolinas

Hurricane Erin continues to churn through the Atlantic as a powerful storm, with the National Hurricane Center issuing its latest update early Sunday morning. While the core of Erin is expected to remain offshore, its growing size and expanding wind field will have effects reaching far beyond the center.

Current Status

As of Sunday morning, Erin remains a major hurricane, though it has weakened slightly due to structural changes inside the storm. Radar shows a small eye with rainbands expanding outward in all directions, and signs of an outer eyewall beginning to form. Winds are still strong, and Erin is expected to remain a powerful hurricane for several days.

Impacts in the Caribbean

Outer rainbands from Erin are still affecting the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic with gusty winds and heavy rainfall. Flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides remain possible in mountainous areas.

Track and Forecast

Erin is moving west-northwest at about 12 knots, but a turn to the north is expected later today as a ridge of high pressure weakens. By Monday, the hurricane is forecast to pass east of the Bahamas before moving between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast around midweek.

• A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos.

• A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Southeast Bahamas.

Key Concerns for the Carolinas

Even with Erin’s center staying offshore, its impacts will be felt along the U.S. East Coast:

• Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along beaches in the Bahamas, the Carolinas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada through the week.

• The North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coasts may experience strong winds from Erin’s outer rainbands by the middle of the week.

What to Watch

Rowan County itself will not see direct impacts from Hurricane Erin, but anyone with travel plans to the Carolina beaches this week should use caution. Rip currents will be a serious hazard, and local officials may post advisories or restrict swimming at times.

Rowan County Weather will continue to monitor Hurricane Erin and provide updates as the track and forecast evolve.