Hurricane Erin to Send Giant Waves and Flooding Toward the U.S. East Coast

Hurricane Erin brings giant waves

Risk of coastal flooding

Evacuations in North Carolina

According to AccuWeather, Hurricane Erin is advancing over the Atlantic with immense strength and threatens to cause significant impacts along the US East Coast this week.

Although its center will remain offshore, meteorologists warn that the cyclone’s effects will be felt in several states.

The storm brings winds of up to 225 km/h (140 mph), extreme surf, and the possibility of coastal flooding in vulnerable areas such as North Carolina.

Authorities have issued watches and warnings to prepare the population for hazardous conditions.

Hurricane Erin: A storm of great magnitude

Although Erin is not expected to make landfall in the United States, it is still expected to bring dangerous beach and marine conditions to the entire eastern seaboard this week. What you’re seeing here is the forecast wave heights, which could reach 7–15 feet along our southeast… pic.twitter.com/AOKxWx5kvX

— Anthony Duarte (@AnthonyDuarte03) August 18, 2025

Over the weekend, Hurricane Erin reached Category 5 on the Saffir–Simpson scale, with winds of up to 257 km/h (160 mph) north of Puerto Rico.

On Monday it weakened slightly to Category 4, though it is still considered a very powerful hurricane.

Its passage has already left torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands.

AccuWeather reported a StormMax of up to 14 inches of accumulated rainfall in some affected areas.

Projected impact on the US East Coast

Hurricane Erin Giant Waves – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The NOAA forecasts that Erin will not make direct landfall in the United States, but its effects will indeed reach the Atlantic region.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina could experience waves between 15 and 20 feet (4.5–6 meters), with risk of storm surge.

In Long Island, New York, waves of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) are expected, while in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, they could exceed 20 feet (6 meters).

The surf will generate dangerous rip currents and significant coastal erosion.

Surf and maritime risks

Hurricane Erin Giant Waves – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Vessels operating in open waters have been advised to avoid the hurricane’s zone of influence.

Cruise ships and cargo traffic could face waves of up to 50 feet (15 meters) near the storm’s core.

Even hundreds of kilometers away, waves will spread toward U.S. shores throughout the week.

At Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, more than 50 water rescues have already been reported due to rip currents.

Evacuations and preventive measures

CAUTION #HurricaneErin
Likely strong surf and life-threatening rip currents this week along the U.S. East Coast

UPDATE
The powerful #Hurricane #Erin remains a Category 4
– Winds: 215 km/h (134 mph)
– 190 km (118 mi) NNE of Grand Turk Island pic.twitter.com/pFWk40YiuP

— Geól. Sergio Almazán (@chematierra) August 18, 2025

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island in North Carolina.

Highway 12, located at sea level, could become submerged and suffer prolonged closures due to flooding.

Storm surge is expected to cause damage to coastal infrastructure and beach erosion.

Residents in risk areas have been urged to evacuate as a preventive measure.

Hurricane track and evolution

Meteorologists explain that Hurricane Erin is moving along the back side of a high-pressure system in the Atlantic.

This will cause it to gradually turn northwest and then north in the coming days.

The jet stream will steer its path toward the northeast, defining how close it gets to the US coast.

AccuWeather forecasts the eye will pass between 150 and 300 miles (240–480 km) east of North Carolina.

Impacts outside the US

In Bermuda, dangerous seas and rainfall are expected starting Tuesday, although no direct impact of Hurricane Erin is forecast.

By Friday and Saturday, the hurricane could approach southeastern Newfoundland, Canada, with strong winds.

There Erin is expected to begin transitioning into a non-tropical storm, which would further expand its rain bands.

Even Iceland and the United Kingdom could receive the storm’s remnants next week.

Hurricane Erin is a far-reaching threat

The magnitude of Hurricane Erin makes its passage a threat to millions of people across the Atlantic.

Authorities remind the public that even if the sun is shining on the beaches, the ocean may hide deadly dangers.

Experts insist on not underestimating rip currents and respecting local warnings.

The combination of waves, storm surge, and flooding will make Erin a hurricane remembered for its strength and reach.

The United States, Bermuda, and Canada remain on alert, while the Caribbean assesses the damage already suffered.

Hurricane Erin continues to advance, its strength a reminder of nature’s uncontrollable power over the Atlantic coasts.