 Tropical Storm and Storm Surge warnings remain in effect for Dare County, with National Weather Service forecasts indicating that tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the area by this evening (Wednesday, August 20, 2025) and continue through Thursday, August 21, 2025.
In addition, Dare County remains under a State of Emergency, and a Mandatory Evacuation order remains in effect for all areas of Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A).
If you are still on Hatteras Island and contemplating evacuating, do so immediately. The window to safely evacuate is closing quickly due to coastal flooding and overwash that has already begun to impact portions of N.C. Highway 12—and is forecast to worsen by this evening and continue to deteriorate. As the 6 p.m. high tide approaches this evening, be ready to shelter in place.
Coastal flooding, storm surge and overwash are expected to begin with this evening’s high tide and continue to build through Friday, August 22, 2025. N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island is expected to become impassable, making it extremely difficult—if not impossible—for emergency services personnel to respond to calls for service on Hatteras Island.
This will be a long duration event for the Outer Banks, impacting N.C. Highway 12 through late week. Significant impacts could continue into Friday, August 22, 2025 due to lingering powerful swell energy and elevated tides.
Although the most severe impacts from Hurricane Erin are expected on Hatteras Island, residents and visitors north of Oregon Inlet—especially those staying along the oceanfront—should remain alert. Be mindful of rising ocean waters as the storm passes offshore and be ready to take necessary precautions, such as moving vehicles to higher ground.
Swimming Prohibition (Countywide):
Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags have been posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County. This prohibition includes swimming with or without flotation devices, rafts, or other aids. A violation of this restriction is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with G.S. 14-288.20A
-
Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.
Hatteras Island:
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 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. Find additional closures, cancellations or changes to Dare County schedules on DareNC.gov/HurricaneErin.
Dare County Water Department
Due to concerns related to ocean overwash, the Dare County Water Department will be shutting off water to an area located south of N.C. Highway 12 and along Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton by 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, August 20, 2025). Please note, however, that conditions may require it to be shut off sooner. Water will be restored to this area as soon as it is safe to do so. An alert has been sent to affected Dare County Water customers who are located in the designated area.
For customers in the area highlighted on the map, bottled water will be available for pickup at the Cape Hatteras Water plant between 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. If that time does not work, customers can call 252-475-5990 to schedule a pickup time. The Cape Hatteras Water Plant is located at 50225 Water Association Road, Frisco, NC 27936.
For more information, please contact the Dare County Water Department at Water@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5990.
|
Dare County Public Works
Due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin, there will be no commercial trash collection on Hatteras Island on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
There will also be no residential trash collection on Thursday August 21, 2025 for the villages of Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Additionally, there will be no residential trash collection on Friday, August 22, 2025 for the villages of Salvo, Waves, and Rodanthe. We hope to resume collection on Monday and Tuesday and will continue to evaluate as road conditions change.
The Buxton Transfer Station closed at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 and will remain closed until further notice.
Northern Beaches:
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 Transportation
Dare County Transportation will continue to operate as normal with trips north of the Marc Basnight Bridge. All trips south of the Marc Basnight Bridge are suspended until further notice. If you plan to cancel an existing trip for Thursday, August 21, 2025 or Friday, August 22, 2025, please call the Dare County Transportation office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule at 252-475-5640 or 252-475-5765.
Dare County Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Dare County EMS urges all Dare County residents and visitors to ensure that any necessary prescriptions and oxygen tanks are refilled before the height of the storm.
Town of Duck
Impacts from Hurricane Erin are expected to begin today, Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and continue through Thursday, August 21, 2025. Double red flags are flying at all Duck beaches. Ocean swimming is prohibited. Please protect your safety and the safety of others by staying out of the ocean.
Once wind speeds increase, lifeguards may need to remove red flags from their posts. This does not indicate that double red flag conditions have been lifted. The ocean remains closed to swimming.
During periods of high surf, the beach itself may also become unsafe for walking. Even moderate waves and strong currents can quickly knock individuals down and pull them into deeper water. Exercise extreme caution on the beach.
Duck Surf Rescue personnel are on duty at the following beach access locations, as conditions allow:
- Caffey’s Inlet
- Sprigtail
- Snow Geese
- Barrier Island Station
- Schooner Ridge
- Christopher Drive
- Four Seasons
- Plover Drive
- Charles Jenkins Lane
In addition, three ATVs are patrolling the beach. Lifeguards will remain present and ready to respond as long as conditions allow. If no lifeguard is visible and you encounter an emergency, please call 911.
Tropical storm force winds are expected. Please secure all loose outdoor items, as strong winds and flooding can turn unsecured objects into dangerous hazards.
Storm conditions can change without notice, and forecasts are always subject to change. It is imperative that you take time now to review your emergency readiness plan and be prepared for any situation that may arise.
At this time, the trash collection scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025 will proceed as scheduled. No changes have been announced.
Residents and visitors should also be aware that Currituck County has declared a local State of Emergency and has issued a Mandatory Evacuation for the Off-Road Area of Corolla, effective 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. This will result in heavier traffic throughout the area.
National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service-issued advisories, watches, and warnings can be found here.
Sign up to receive customized alerts at www.OBXAlerts.com or by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295.
For more information, visit the Town of Duck.
Town of Southern Shores
Stay Informed: Monitor official updates from Dare County Emergency Management. Dare County Emergency Management is the lead role in preparing for and directing the response to major emergencies and disasters—both natural and manmade—within Dare County. Sign up to receive email, text or voice notifications from Dare County Emergency Management—including severe weather watches and warnings, public safety and emergency-related warnings, such as county-wide evacuation orders—through the emergency alerts system by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com.
Sign up for Town specific information emailed to you via broadcast news at www.southernshores-nc.gov.
The Town has completed pre-storm preparations. Equipment is staged for a quick response, when safe to do so, to any downed trees and limbs so that roads will remain passable.
High Surf Advisory: Ocean Rescue staff have relocated lifeguard stands off the beach. Stay out of the ocean.
Trash & Recycle Collection: There are currently no changes to residential trash and recycling collections scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025 for Southern Shores. Should there be any changes to the schedule, that information will be posted on the Southern Shores website.
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. Please be cautious of downed trees or damaged tree limbs. Any active construction job sites should secure all materials and equipment from becoming windblown debris.
Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges.
Town of Kitty Hawk
DOUBLE RED FLAGS have been posted by Ocean Rescue and OCEAN SWIMMING IS PROHIBITED. As Hurricane Erin moves off the coast, powerful rip currents, large breaking waves building from 8 to 20 feet in the surf zone and 2 to 4 feet of storm surge make beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.
Kitty Hawk Recycling Center located at 4190 Bob Perry Road will be closed Wednesday, August 20, 2025 with plans to reopen Friday, August 22, 2025.
Kitty Hawk Bath House will be closing on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:30 pm.
Accesses at Byrd Street, Eckner Street, and the Bath House will be closed and water at all accesses will be turned off.
Ocean Rescue is operating via roving patrol.
Trash collection for the Town of Kitty Hawk will operate on a regular schedule.
Coastal impacts have already begun on the Outer Banks and will worsen throughout the day, peaking tonight through Thursday. With the worst conditions from ERIN expected to begin with this evening's high tide, now is the time to make sure you're ready.
While ERIN appears to be an oceanfront event, water could rise in soundside communities as well.
As the 6 p.m, high tide approaches this evening, please have a plan in place to protect your property. Consider moving outdoor items like vehicles and yard items to higher ground. Vehicles can be moved to the gravel lot at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church located at 301 West Kitty Hawk Road and at Kitty Hawk Police Department building located at 5200 North Croatan Highway in the rear parking lot behind Bear Drugs.
If water gets past the protective dune, stay at home until the water recedes. Be ready again with each high tide. Conditions could persist into Friday.
Subscribe to receive emergency weather information by creating a user profile at OBXAlerts.com. Select “Kitty Hawk Emergency Alerts” to opt-in for messaging specific to the Town of Kitty Hawk.
For more information, visit the Town of Kitty Hawk.
Town of Kill Devil Hills
Sanitation: At this time, there are no changes to the regular trash collection schedule for the remainder of the week.
Beach Safety: Double red flags are flying in Kill Devil Hills. Double red flags mean that swimming is prohibited. Ocean conditions will continue to deteriorate, making the water unsafe for everyone. Don't risk your life or someone else's. Stay safe, stay out of the ocean!
Lifeguard stands have temporarily been removed from the beach. However, lifeguards are still patrolling by vehicle as conditions allow. If you don’t see a lifeguard and need immediate help, call 911.
Waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected in the surf zone, with powerful surges pushing water high onto the beach. The time between wave sets is short, meaning water doesn't fully recede before the next wave hits. This creates a very hazardous situation, even for those simply walking near the shore. The mix of strong rip currents, heavy shore break, and fast-moving water can easily knock someone off their feet or pull them into the ocean.
As conditions become more dangerous, we urge everyone to use extreme caution when near the ocean.
Monitor Storm Surge & Rising Water Levels: Never underestimate the force of water. Even a few feet of water can be life-threatening. Don’t attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown! Sign up to receive alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge by visiting www.FIMAN.NC.gov.
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.
Emergency Plans: During storms, conditions can change rapidly. Be sure everyone in your home is aware of your household’s emergency plan and knows what to do or where to go in the event of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Stay informed and follow guidance from local officials and trusted sources. If you live, work, or visit Kill Devil Hills or Dare County, sign up for official emergency alerts by visiting www.OBXAlerts.com. Additionally, for your safety, it's important to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Make sure at least one can wake you up.
Town of Nags Head
Thank you to those who have already moved their vehicles to the alternative parking areas we established. As a reminder, in north Nags Head, parking is available at Town Park, Dowdy Park, and the north lot of The Soundside Event Site. In south Nags Head, parking is available at several beach accesses with high dunes in front of them: Holden, Hargrove, Islington, Indigo, June, and Jacob. The Ida beach access is not available as Town equipment is being staged there temporarily. The Juncos beach access is not recommended due to the possibility of ocean overwash.
Large, powerful waves may be impressive to watch, but they can be dangerous up close. The dangerous waves will make the beach unsafe, even for walking. Remember, it only takes one strong wave to knock a person off their feet.
We are closing our bathhouses temporarily due to the storm but will reopen them when we can.
Double red "No Swimming" flags are flying again today, and we expect them to remain flying over the coming days. Ocean swimming is PROHIBITED. Powerful rip currents, large waves, and a storm surge will make beach and ocean conditions life-threatening for walkers, swimmers, and ocean rescue personnel.
For more information, visit the Town of Nags Head.
Town of Manteo
Community storm preparations in the Town of Manteo should be concluding, as conditions will deteriorate today. Before tropical storm force winds arrive later today and remain through Thursday night, Manteo residents should make these last-minute storm preparations now:
- Secure outside storage/debris away from the wind.
- Move vehicles/boats away from low, weakened overhanging trees.
- At this time, no sound flooding is expected. For those with flooding or debris concerns, additional parking can be found at Manteo Town Hall, 407 Budleigh Street, Manteo NC.
- Please do not travel during tropical storm conditions. If you must drive, bike or walk during the upcoming inclement weather, please do so safely.
For those with safety concerns, the Manteo Police Department will provide resident wellness checks during Hurricane Erin. To schedule a visit, call the Manteo Police Department from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 252-473-2069, or Dare Central Communications at 252-473-3444. Our community can also help by checking in on others, practicing “Neighbors helping Neighbors”.
If you observe any hazardous conditions, please call 911. We are evaluating site conditions for the Saturday, August 23, 2025 Manteo Downtown Market - the decision to hold our event or cancel will be made and notifications sent by 12 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Manteo sanitation pickup is rescheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025.
To access the latest NWS-Newport Morehead weather briefing, please click here. For any additional questions, please call Manteo Town Hall at 252-473-2133, or visit the Town of Manteo website.
Dare County Schools
As we prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and community, please review the revised schedule for this week.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Cape Hatteras Schools closed
- Optional Workday for schools north of Oregon Inlet
- Remote Learning Day for Dare Early College
- No athletic games or practices
Thursday, August 21, 2025
- All Dare County Schools closed (including Dare Early College) for staff and students
- No athletic games or practices
- Open House events are postponed. Individual schools will announce new dates.
Dare County Schools will continue to monitor conditions closely and share any updates regarding Friday’s schedule as soon as we have a clearer understanding of the storm’s impacts.
For more information, visit Dare County Schools website.
Stay Informed & Prepared:
Sign Up for Local Alerts:
-
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
-
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.com
 Dare County Emergency Management will continue to issue periodic updates, with the next update scheduled no later than Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 4 p.m.
|
