Erin's Waves: A Storm's Impact on the East Coast

Hurricane Erin is making its way north in the Atlantic, hundreds of miles off the coast. It's bringing some serious trouble to North Carolina's Outer Banks and other parts of the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center says to expect dangerous storm surges and tropical storm conditions. Roads on those low-lying islands might become impossible to pass, with waves reaching up to 20 feet high. That's a lot of water and a lot of power behind it. Beach erosion is also a big concern. North Carolina's governor has declared a state of emergency. This means the state is ready to step in with money and help as needed. Tropical storm and storm surge warnings are in place for other parts of the coast too. Earlier in the week, some coastal counties ordered evacuations. They wanted residents and tourists off the vulnerable islands of Ocracoke and Hatteras. Ferries have been busy getting people to safety. But not everyone is leaving. Some, like Chris Styron, who manages the Pony Island Inn, are staying put. He's used to storms like this and isn't too worried. Erin is a Category 2 storm with winds blowing at 100 mph. It's expected to stay offshore, which is good news for those on land. But the storm's reach is wide, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 265 miles from its center. Hurricane-force winds go out about 90 miles. Even so, the National Hurricane Center is warning people to stay out of the water. The surf and rip currents are life-threatening. Up north, places like New Jersey and New York are feeling the effects too. Swimming and other water activities are banned on beaches from Cape May to Sandy Hook. New York City's public beaches, like Coney Island and Brighton Beach, are closed. Coastal flooding is expected to peak during high tide on Thursday. Fortunately, the weather is cooler than usual, with highs only around 70 degrees. Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season and the first to become a hurricane. It's also the first to reach Category 5 status since Hurricane Milton in October 2024. This storm is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared.