Hurricane Erin Drives Dangerous Waves, Prompts Outer Banks Evacuations

Hurricane Erin, a major Category 3-4 storm in the Atlantic, is expected to remain offshore but cause dangerous conditions along the U.S. East Coast, especially affecting North Carolina's Outer Banks with life-threatening rip currents, large waves, and potential storm surge. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands due to the risk of severe flooding and road washouts, isolating these barrier islands. The storm has already caused flooding and power outages in parts of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, where services have been suspended. Despite not making landfall, Erin is generating rough seas and hazardous surf conditions along a wide stretch of the eastern U.S. coastline, prompting warnings and rescue efforts. Additionally, the remnants of Erin could bring unsettled weather to Ireland in about a week, though it is expected to weaken significantly before reaching there. Forecasters warn that the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, with another tropical wave trailing Erin having a significant chance of developing into a named storm soon.