News Summary

Hurricane Erin has prompted a High Surf Advisory in Rhode Island and North Carolina, raising concerns over hazardous surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding. Beach closures are in effect, with evacuations ordered in parts of North Carolina’s Outer Banks amidst predictions of dangerous storm surge. Authorities are urging residents to heed safety warnings as the storm affects a broad area of the East Coast, with potential impacts lasting through the week.

High Surf Advisory in Effect for Rhode Island and North Carolina as Hurricane Erin Generates Dangerous Conditions Along the East Coast

Rhode Island and North Carolina are currently under a High Surf advisory as Hurricane Erin continues to churn along the East Coast, bringing hazardous surf conditions, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach closures. The advisory in Washington and Newport counties of Rhode Island is in effect until 8:00 PM Saturday, with officials urging residents and beachgoers to heed safety warnings to avoid potential dangers.

Southern-facing beaches in Rhode Island are experiencing dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents, prompting the closure of swimming areas at state beaches. Although parking lots remain accessible, officials have prohibited any swimming activity due to the heightened risk. Minor coastal flooding has been reported in several low-lying areas across the state.

In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, evacuations have been ordered as a state of emergency was declared by Governor Josh Stein. Residents are being urged to leave vulnerable areas as significant storm surge and waves exceeding 10 feet are expected. Tropical storm conditions are forecasted to begin as early as Wednesday evening, with strong winds extending over 230 miles from Erin’s center.

Preparations are underway, with the public instructed to bring clothing and medications for up to seven days if they are ordered to evacuate. Mandatory evacuation orders have been put in place for Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island as coastal flooding becomes a pressing concern. Early reports indicate that roads in some areas may soon become impassable due to flooding.

Hurricane Erin has sparked a wave of safety measures and beach bans up and down the East Coast, triggering dozens of water rescues, especially at Wrightsville Beach, where officials reported at least 60 rescues due to dangerous rip currents. No U.S. landfall is expected from Erin, but its path carries risks from central Florida all the way to Canada, affecting hundreds of thousands of beach tourists.

New Jersey, Delaware, and New York City beaches have also issued swimming bans due to the dangerous conditions. As the storm maintains maximum winds of 100 mph despite being downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, residents are advised to stay informed through local authorities and reliable sources amidst concerns over miscommunication regarding the storm’s impact.

The National Hurricane Center has emphasized the potential for significant storm surge and beach erosion along the entire U.S. East Coast, warning of 15 to 20-foot waves anticipated particularly along the Outer Banks. Tropical storm watches and surge warnings have also been extended to Bermuda and portions of the mid-Atlantic region.

In light of the ongoing situation, the Steamship Authority is waiving change and cancellation fees for travel arrangements affected by the storm. The National Weather Service has cautioned that dangerous rip currents and beach erosion are expected to last for several days. Residents and visitors have been strongly advised to stay out of the ocean until the threat passes, which is projected to be at least through Thursday.

Overall, the situation remains fluid as Hurricane Erin continues to generate life-threatening conditions along the U.S. East Coast, and both Rhode Island and North Carolina are on high alert as they prepare for the storm’s effects.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• USA Today
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
• Washington Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin
• AP News
• Google News: Hurricane Erin
• The Guardian
• Google Search: Hurricane News
• Providence Journal
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin

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