Hurricane Erin, the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, formed as a tropical storm on August 11, intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone. Despite the storm’s diminishing strength, its aftermath continues to affect the East Coast.
According to USA Today, Erin has caused severe flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions from North Carolina to New Jersey. Though the storm is moving away from the U.S., its lingering impacts are expected to persist for several more days, particularly along coastal areas where the threat of rip currents and high surf remains significant for beachgoers.
Dangerous Rip Currents Continue Along the East Coast
Though Erin is no longer a full-fledged hurricane, its presence has left dangerous surf conditions in its wake. Rip currents are expected to pose a significant threat for several days, particularly in coastal areas from the Carolinas to New England. These powerful currents are responsible for a large percentage of beach rescues each year, and despite clear skies, ocean conditions will remain hazardous.
“It may seem like a nice beach day, with sunshine and blue skies as the storm goes out to sea, but powerful rip currents will be lurking in the water through Saturday,” said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.
He added,
“Even as Erin pushes out into the open Atlantic, dangerous conditions are expected at many beaches heading into the weekend. Do not let your guard down if you’re spending time at the beach on Friday or Saturday.”
Erin’s swirling winds and rough seas are likely to keep conditions perilous at many East Coast beaches. Rip currents accounted for 10 to 15% of all fatalities from tropical storms or hurricanes in the U.S. over the past decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Swimmers are advised to avoid the water in these regions to avoid the risk of being pulled into dangerous currents.
Flooding and Erosion Hit North Carolina’s Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina were some of the hardest-hit areas by Erin’s flooding. Roads were submerged, and several locations experienced significant erosion. A particularly bad stretch of Highway 12, a key road connecting many of the islands, was damaged due to the high waves and flooding. Authorities warned that parts of the highway, especially between Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke, could remain impassable at high tide.
Additionally, evacuations were ordered for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island as the storm brought high winds and expected coastal flooding. The storm’s fury caused major disruptions, and the recovery process could take days or weeks depending on the severity of the damage.
In Margate City, New Jersey, 50 people and 3 dogs were rescued from floodwaters, with 16 people and the dogs saved from vehicles and 34 people rescued from two flooded restaurants.
At the Outer Banks, high water levels reached 6.97 inches (about 18 cm) at high tide on August 21, which was just below the record set by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The region experienced significant road closures due to the flooding, with ongoing disruptions.
The First Hurricane of the 2025 Season Signals an Active Hurricane Year
Hurricane Erin is the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, a season that has already shown signs of intense activity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had predicted an above-average season, with between 13 and 18 named storms expected.
As Erin formed as a tropical storm on August 11, it quickly gained strength and became a Category 1 hurricane before weakening. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (145 km/h).
NOAA’s forecast suggests that the season’s peak is still ahead, with several more storms expected. Experts are monitoring other systems in the Atlantic, signaling that the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms will continue to loom in the coming months. Erin’s path was forecast to move south of Atlantic Canada, then cross the North Atlantic, eventually stalling near Iceland by next week. Three other developing systems are currently being monitored by forecasters, with one tropical wave having an 80% chance of cyclone formation within a week and a 70% chance within 48 hours.
