North Carolina Gov. Stein Briefs State Emergency as Hurricane Erin Nears Coast

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency and held multiple briefings as Hurricane Erin approaches the coast, prompting mandatory evacuations for areas including Ocracoke, Hatteras islands, and the Off-Road Area of Corolla. The hurricane is expected to bring severe impacts such as coastal flooding, beach erosion with waves reaching 15 to 20 feet, life-threatening rip currents, and tropical-storm-force winds, particularly affecting the Outer Banks. Officials have warned residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid driving through floodwaters, and prepare disaster kits with essential documents and supplies. Emergency management and utility crews are actively staging and reinforcing infrastructure in anticipation of the storm. Highway 12 along the Outer Banks is expected to flood and be inaccessible for several days due to overwash caused by the hurricane. Authorities continue to advise the public to stay informed through reliable sources and adhere to instructions from local officials to ensure safety.