 Dare County remains under a State of Emergency, and a Mandatory Evacuation order is currently in effect for all areas of Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A), which includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.
Hatteras Island Visitors:
Evacuation began at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. All visitors should now be leaving the island.
Hatteras Island Residents:
Evacuation begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
NOTE: As you make plans to evacuate, please keep in mind that the road may become impassible beginning with the high tide at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. These Mandatory Evacuations are only in effect for Hatteras Island (Zone A). There are no Mandatory Evacuation orders in effect for Evacuation Zone B (all other areas of Dare County) at this time.
 Evacuation Transportation Available for Those Without Access to Vehicles
Transportation is available on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to a shelter in Warren County, N.C., for Dare County residents who do not have access to transportation. Individuals evacuating on the buses need to bring clothing and medications for 7 days.
Shelters are available for dogs and cats. Owners can transport these pets on the buses. Pets are required to be in kennels. Owners need to bring their pet’s vaccination records with them.
The details are as follows:
Individuals who are evacuating and do not have transportation to the shelter must call Dare County Transportation by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 252-475-5640 to make a reservation. If you call before 7:30 a.m. or after 5 p.m., please leave a message.
The van/bus will leave Cape Hatteras Elementary School at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Special Medical Needs Registry:
If you or someone you know has special medical needs and may need assistance during an emergency or evacuation, please complete the online form to register for the Special Medical Needs Registry. For more information, please visit DareNC.gov/SpecialNeeds.
Anticipated Impacts & Watches:
While Hurricane Erin is expected to stay well off the coast of North Carolina, the system will continue to increase in size and is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the Dare County coastline.
A Coastal Flood Watch remains in effect for Dare County. Coastal flooding and ocean overwash are expected to begin with evening high tide on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and continue through Thursday, August 21, 2025. Portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island will likely be impassable for several days.
Additionally, the National Weather Service indicates that extreme beach erosion and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large, dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures. Severe flooding will likely extend inland where there is vulnerable or no protective dune structure, flooding homes and businesses, with some structural damage possible. Roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water, and vehicles will likely be submerged.
A High Surf Advisory is also in effect for Dare County. The High Surf Advisory indicates that large breaking waves of 15-20-plus feet should be expected in the surf zone. Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions are expected, as well as wave action resulting in significant beach erosion.
 To view the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City, N.C., please click the button below.
Municipal & National Park Service Updates:
Town of Duck
Although Hurricane Erin is currently forecast to remain offshore, the storm is expected to be large and is likely to produce significant impacts. Those staying in homes along the oceanfront should prepare for hazardous conditions. Impacts are expected to begin Tuesday, August 19, 2025, with the most severe conditions occurring Wednesday, August 20, 2025 into Thursday, August 21, 2025 as Erin approaches Eastern North Carolina. Tropical-storm-force winds are possible, and extremely large waves will create dangerous surf and battering conditions.
The public is urged to exercise caution, avoid entering the ocean, and closely monitor updates from local authorities.
Sign up for OBXAlerts by texting OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295.
Town of Kitty Hawk
The Town of Kitty Hawk is actively preparing for the potential impacts of Hurricane Erin with focus on mitigating oceanside flooding and beach erosion risks. Town staff are mobilized to reduce hazards ahead of the storm's arrival.
As part of these preparations, lifeguard stands are being removed to prevent damage from high surf, beach access mats are being taken up and secured to minimize debris hazards, and vulnerable dunes are being fortified in targeted areas to provide additional storm protection and help limit ocean overwash. The Town asks residents and visitors to use caution in oceanside areas as crews work.
All residents, property owners, and visitors are encouraged to monitor official forecasts and be prepared to take additional protective actions as conditions warrant.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Beach Reminder: If red flags are flying, you should not be swimming! Deteriorating ocean conditions will make the ocean unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers. Don't risk your life or someone else's. Stay safe, stay out of the ocean!
Due to staffing limitations, several lifeguard stands have been removed from the beach in Kill Devil Hills for the remainder of the season. For a current list of fixed stand locations, please visit our website:
https://www.kdhnc.com/946/Ocean-Rescue
Secure Outdoor Items: As you make final storm preparations, be sure to secure all loose outdoor items. Strong winds and flooding can turn unsecured objects into hazards. Some items to double-check include trash and recycling cans, pots and planters, toys, grills, tables and chairs, and lawn décor.
Town of Nags Head
The Town of Nags Head urges all residents and visitors staying on the oceanfront to exercise extreme caution, particularly as strong waves from Hurricane Erin peak Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 through the day on Thursday August 21, 2025.
Travel, especially after dark, on South Virginia Dare Trail and South Old Oregon Inlet Road, is expected to be hazardous due to storm surge and the potential for ocean overwash.
Those staying on the oceanfront should be prepared to remain in your home or hotel/motel, if necessary. Large waves are expected to run up on the beach, and at times may be under oceanfront homes.
Vehicles parked near the ocean may also become surrounded by water. If you wish to move vehicles to higher ground, we have identified alternative parking locations. In north Nags Head parking will be available at Town Park, Dowdy Park, and in the north lot of The Soundside Event Site. In south Nags Head parking will be available at several beach accesses with high dunes in front of them: Holden, Hargrove, Islington, Indigo, June, and Jacob. The Ida beach access will not be available as Town equipment will be temporarily staged there. The Juncos beach access is not recommended due to the possibility of ocean overwash. If you are not comfortable staying in your oceanfront property, please leave prior to Wednesday afternoon.
During periods of high surf, the beach will become unsafe, even for walking. Keep in mind that it doesn’t take much for strong waves and currents to sweep someone off their feet.
Double red flags will be raised for the duration of high surf, which means that entry into the Atlantic Ocean will be unlawful.
Trash on Nags Head’s Blue Sanitation Route, which includes oceanfront properties on South Virginia Dare Trail and South Old Oregon Inlet Road, will be collected on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 instead of on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., instead of Thursday, August 21, 2025. Note that there is no parking at Nags Head Elementary School for this event. The concert scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the park has been canceled.
The drainage work in south Nags Head will be suspended after Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and through the end of the week.
All trash cans, beach mats, and lifeguard stands are being removed from the beach.
National Park Service/Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Visitors should stay off the beaches completely and discontinue use of all beach trails and boardwalks beginning Tuesday morning. The following closures will be in effect in preparation of the storm.
Visitor Facilities: The Museum of the Sea at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Discovery Center on Ocracoke Island will be closed by 5:00 p.m. today, August 18, 2025. Facilities will not reopen until the storm has passed and assessments are made to determine a safe opening.
Bodie Island Lighthouse will be closing on Wednesday and Thursday.
Campgrounds: Cape Point, Frisco, and Ocracoke campgrounds will close today, August 18, 2025 by 3:00 p.m. Oregon Inlet Campground will close at noon on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Beaches and Off-Road Vehicle Access: Off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps will be closed by 9:00 p.m. on August 18, 2025 for the safety of ORV permittees before, during, and after the impacts from Hurricane Erin. To view the status of beach access ramps, visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. Due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures, the Seashore will close beach access in Rodanthe from the terminus of Old Highway 12 to the end of the Ocean Drive and in front of the village of Buxton southward to Ramp 43.
Dare County Offices & Facilities Closures:
Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin and the Mandatory Evacuation order for all of Hatteras Island, Dare County offices and facilities south of Oregon Inlet will be closed Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and remain closed until the evacuation order is lifted. County offices and facilities north of Oregon Inlet will be operating business as usual unless otherwise noted. Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Public Works
Dare County Public Works has announced that there are no changes to residential trash collection scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025 in the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon on Hatteras Island.
Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin, it is anticipated that there will be no commercial trash collection on Hatteras Island on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The Buxton Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and will remain closed until further notice.
All areas north of Oregon Inlet, both residential and commercial, whose trash collection is provided by Dare County Public Works are expected to remain on their normal trash collection schedule all week. To view Dare County’s residential and commercial trash collection schedule, please visit DareNC.gov/Trash.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Parks & Recreation:Hatteras Island Division (Fessenden Center):
All indoor and outdoor activities at the Fessenden Center in Buxton are canceled until further notice beginning Tuesday, August 19, 2025. When activities can resume, the information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin. For more information, please contact the Fessenden Center at 252-475-5650.
Dare County Department of Health & Human Services - Public Health Frisco Appointment Rescheduling:
In light of the Dare County office closures south of Oregon Inlet, the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services public health team will be in contact with clinic patients and WIC clients to reschedule appointments previously scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Dare County Water Department
The Dare County Water Department has announced that its billing office located in Frisco (50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936) will be closed on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at Water@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5990.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Library
The Hatteras Library will be closed beginning Tuesday, August 18, 2025 and will remain closed until further notice. During this time, Hatteras Library patron books will not be due and late fees will be suspended.
Please do not return books to the book drops at Hatteras Library, at the Rodanthe Beach Access or the Fessenden Center until the evacuation order is over.
All programs scheduled at the Hatteras Library through Friday, August 22, 2025 have been cancelled.
Once the evacuation order is lifted, the Hatteras Library will reopen to the public. If you need assistance, the Kill Devil Hills Library and the Manteo Library will be open and operating with their regularly scheduled hours.
Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
For more information, please contact the Manteo Library at 252-473-2372.
Stay Informed & Prepared:
Sign Up for Local Alerts:
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Emergency Alerts: Sign up to receive customized alerts—including severe weather watches and warnings, evacuation orders, and other time-critical notifications—at www.OBXAlerts.com
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Beach & Ocean Conditions: Get daily beach condition updates via text by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. For rip current safety, red flag warnings, and more, visit www.LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.org
Dare County Emergency Management will continue to issue periodic updates, with the next update scheduled no later than Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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