Hurricane Erin, the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, passed closest to the U.S. East Coast this week, bringing large waves, dangerous surf, and flooding concerns primarily along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Although the storm did not make landfall, its impact prompted emergency declarations and warnings across multiple states.
Erin formed from a tropical wave near Cape Verde on August 11 and intensified rapidly over the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane exploded to a Category 5 storm on August 16, with peak sustained winds of 160 mph and a minimum pressure of 915 mb, before undergoing fluctuations in strength due to eyewall replacement cycles, wind shear, and dry air intrusion.
By August 21, Erin was a Category 2 hurricane moving north-northeast off the coast of North Carolina. The storm’s center passed approximately 200 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, bringing tropical storm conditions as well as dangerous surf and rip currents. Despite not making landfall, life-threatening surf conditions led to beach closures and swim bans along much of the East Coast, particularly the Outer Banks region.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in response to flooding and storm surge risks. Some areas in the Outer Banks issued evacuation orders as officials warned residents and visitors to take all necessary precautions to protect life and property from rising waters.
The hurricane also caused heavy rainfall and flooding during its approach. Prior to nearing the U.S., Erin’s precursor waves caused severe flooding in Cape Verde, resulting in nine deaths on São Vicente island. Over 7 inches of rain fell within a five-hour period, prompting disaster declarations there.
Along the U.S. coast, although landfall was avoided, the extensive wind field of Erin generated hazardous conditions. Tropical storm-force winds extended outward up to 300 miles from the storm’s center. The National Hurricane Center cautioned people against swimming due to the persistent and dangerous rip currents.
Erin’s path toward the east coast coincided with warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions that fueled the hurricane’s intensity and rapid growth at times. Meteorologists observed that the storm maintained its power partly due to its swift movement, which limited the cooling of ocean waters beneath it.
As the season’s first hurricane, Erin highlights the growing threats posed by Atlantic tropical cyclones. It was only the 43rd Atlantic hurricane to reach Category 5 hurricane status in recorded history, and among the earliest to do so in the western Atlantic region.
Emergency officials continue to monitor Erin’s trajectory as it moves away from the coast toward Bermuda, where precautions remain in place. The storm’s evolving nature underlines the importance of preparedness even when a hurricane does not make direct landfall.