Hurricane Erin Forces Evacuations On North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Atlantic Inn Prepares for Hurricane Erin

Holly Andrzejewski, the owner of the historic Atlantic Inn on Hatteras Island, found herself in a challenging situation as Hurricane Erin approached the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Just days after purchasing the inn, she had to reschedule their first guests due to the impending storm.

Evacuations and Preparations

While Hurricane Erin is projected to stay offshore, authorities issued evacuation orders for barrier islands along the Carolina coast, including Hatteras Island. Andrzejewski and her family took precautions by securing outdoor furniture and ensuring their daughter and her boyfriend, who manage the inn, had necessary supplies.

Despite the disruptions, Andrzejewski maintained a positive outlook, stating, “It’s just one of those things where you know this is always a possibility and it could happen, and you just make the best out of it. Otherwise you wouldn’t live at the beach.”

Impact of Hurricane Erin

Erin unleashed rain and wind on parts of the Caribbean before moving towards the eastern U.S. Although the storm weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, its tropical storm winds extended over 200 miles. The Outer Banks were under tropical storm and surge watches, with concerns about coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents.

Community Resilience

Residents of Ocracoke, still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, faced another evacuation. Tommy Hutcherson, a local business owner, expressed optimism despite the uncertainty, acknowledging the unpredictability of such storms.

Climate Change and Hurricane Intensity

Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures provide fuel for storms to strengthen quickly, posing greater risks to coastal communities. Bermuda also braced for the impact of Erin, with potential storm surges of up to 24 feet.

As Hurricane Erin continues its path through the Atlantic, communities along the coast remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts.

Associated Press journalists Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Julie Walker in New York contributed to this report.