Hurricane Erin: What Rowan County Needs to Know

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – 8:00 AM Update
Source: National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Erin continues to track through the western Atlantic with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and a central pressure of 948 mb. The storm is located about 400 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and 560 miles west-southwest of Bermuda. Erin is moving north-northwest at 13 mph and is expected to turn north and then northeast over the next 24 hours.

Current Watches and Warnings

• Storm Surge Warning: Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina

• Tropical Storm Warning: Beaufort Inlet, NC to the NC/VA border, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds

• Tropical Storm Watch: North of the NC/VA border to Chincoteague, Virginia, and Bermuda

A Storm Surge Warning means life-threatening inundation is possible in the warning area within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Warnings mean tropical storm conditions are expected, while Watches indicate conditions are possible.

Forecast Track and Intensity

Erin will continue moving between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda through Friday before accelerating northeastward past Atlantic Canada this weekend. Some additional strengthening is possible today, but weakening is expected to begin Friday. Erin is forecast to remain a hurricane into the weekend before transitioning to a post-tropical system.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 265 miles.

Hazards Affecting Land

• Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the North Carolina Outer Banks late today or tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible in coastal Virginia on Thursday and in Bermuda Thursday and Friday.

• Surf: Swells from Erin will impact the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada over the next several days. These swells will cause dangerous surf and rip currents.

• Storm Surge: Water levels may rise 2 to 4 feet above ground from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina. Surge will be accompanied by large waves, leading to flooding and dangerous coastal conditions.

• Rainfall: The Outer Banks of North Carolina may see 1 to 2 inches of rain through Thursday.

Local Takeaway

While Erin’s center will remain offshore, the storm will bring coastal impacts, especially to the Outer Banks and parts of Virginia. The primary threats are storm surge flooding, dangerous surf, and rip currents. Travelers headed to the coast should closely monitor local forecasts and be aware of changing conditions.

Rowan County Weather will continue to track Hurricane Erin and provide updates as new information is released by the National Hurricane Center.