As Hurricane Erin approached North Carolina's Outer Banks, Holly Andrzejewski faced the daunting task of rescheduling her family's first guests at the Atlantic Inn on Hatteras Island. The inn, recognized as the oldest bed-and-breakfast on the island, was purchased by Andrzejewski and her husband less than a week ago. With the hurricane's arrival imminent, they quickly took precautions, bringing in outdoor furniture and ensuring that their daughter and her boyfriend, who serve as innkeepers, were equipped with generators, extra water, and flashlights to monitor the property.
“It's just one of those things where you know this is always a possibility,” said Andrzejewski, who plans to stay on the island in her home located 15 minutes away. “You just make the best out of it. Otherwise, you wouldn't live at the beach.”
Although Hurricane Erin is expected to remain offshore, authorities have ordered evacuations on barrier islands along the Carolina coast. Officials have warned that the storm could generate dangerous rip currents that will extend from Florida through the Mid-Atlantic and up to the New England coast. As a precaution, tropical storm and surge watches were issued for much of the Outer Banks, and coastal flooding is anticipated to start on Tuesday and last through Thursday.
The evacuations on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke come during the height of the tourist season for these low-lying barrier islands, which are increasingly susceptible to storm surges. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused extensive damage in Ocracoke, highlighting the region's vulnerability. Despite last year's Hurricane Ernesto staying offshore, it still created significant high surf and swells. Local business owner Tommy Hutcherson, who runs the island's only grocery store, expressed optimism that Hurricane Erin would not bring the same level of destruction. “You just never know,” Hutcherson remarked, reflecting on the unexpected impact of Dorian.
With Hurricane Erin's approach, concerns are mounting that heavy surf, high winds, and waves could potentially wash out sections of the main highway, leaving some routes impassable for days. This uncertainty adds to the urgency of the evacuation orders.
Meanwhile, ocean conditions off the Outer Banks and the East Coast are extremely dangerous. The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department, located near Wilmington, North Carolina, reported rescuing between 60 and 70 swimmers on Monday without any recorded injuries or fatalities. Many beaches along the East Coast have closed to swimming due to rough waters, including Belmar, Bay Head, and Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, where swimming has been banned because of perilous surf conditions and strong rip currents.
In a stark warning, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy advised, “I would just say to you, flat out, don't go in the water. The fact of the matter is going in the ocean for the next number of days is something you've got to avoid.” The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk that will extend at least through midweek, with wave heights predicted to reach between eight and fifteen feet, worsening as the storm draws closer.
As Hurricane Erin looms, residents and visitors along the Outer Banks are reminded of the importance of safety and preparedness. With the combination of high surf, strong winds, and potential flooding, staying informed and heeding evacuation orders is crucial for all. The community's resilience will be tested once again as they navigate the challenges posed by this early-season hurricane.
