Town of Kill Devil Hills

Bulletin #4 from Dare County Emergency Management

(Bulletin #3 was distributed by the county earlier today)

Post Date: 08/19/2025 2:35 PM
Dare County Emergency Management Joint Information Center Header

View Bulletin #4

Tropical Storm and Storm Surge warnings are currently in effect for Dare County, indicating that tropical storm force winds and life-threatening inundation from rising water will reach the area within the next 36 hours. 

Dare County remains under a State of Emergency, and a Mandatory Evacuation order remains in effect for all areas of Hatteras Island (Hurricane Evacuation Zone A), which includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.

If you are still on Hatteras Island and have not yet evacuated, now is the time to do so. The window to safely evacuate is closing quickly, as coastal flooding and overwash is already beginning to occur along vulnerable stretches of N.C. Highway 12—and is expected to continue to worsen with the approach of today’s high tide (Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at approximately 5 p.m.). 

Once coastal flooding begins, inundation will persist for several days, worsening with each high tide. N.C. Highway 12 is expected to become impassable, making it extremely difficult—if not impossible—for emergency services personnel to respond to calls for service.  

Although the most severe impacts from Hurricane Erin are expected on Hatteras Island, residents and visitors north of Oregon Inlet—especially those staying along the oceanfront—should remain alert. Be mindful of rising ocean waters as the storm passes offshore and be ready to take necessary precautions, such as moving vehicles to higher ground. 


View the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service.

(Disclaimer: The information contained in the NWS briefings are time-sensitive. Note expiration time on briefing.)  
Picture of double red beach warning flags flying

In anticipation of Hurricane Erin’s impacts, the Town of Kill Devil Hills is removing lifeguard stands and beach trash cans as part of storm preparations. While conditions allow, lifeguards will continue to patrol the beach by vehicle. If you do not see a lifeguard and have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Double red flags are flying in Kill Devil Hills. Double red flags mean that swimming is prohibited. Ocean conditions will continue to deteriorate and make the water unsafe for everyone. Don't risk your life or someone else's. Stay safe, stay out of the ocean! 

We are expecting waves of 15 to 20 feet in the surf zone, along with significant wave run-up. This means the water will surge high up onto the beach, and with little time between sets, it won’t fully recede before the next powerful wave arrives. This creates an extremely dangerous situation — even walking the beach can be life-threatening. The combination of rip currents, powerful shore break, and fast-moving water can knock you off your feet or sweep you into the ocean.

As conditions worsen with the approaching storm, please exercise extreme caution when near the ocean.
Graphic that provides information on the danger of rip currents from distant storms


A photo of sea oats blowing in the wind

Secure Outdoor Items

As you make final storm preparations, be sure to secure all loose outdoor items. Strong winds and flooding can turn unsecured objects into hazards. Some items to double-check include trash and recycling cans, pots and planters, toys, grills, tables and chairs, and lawn décor.

Flood Safety 

Floods can occur with little notice.

  • Stay informed. Monitor local news or NOAA weather radio.
  • Move to higher ground when Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
  • NEVER walk through moving water.
  • NEVER drive into flooded areas.
  • NEVER ignore traffic barricades that close off flooded roadways.
  • Don’t park or camp along bodies of water.
Storm surge infographic that shows before and after visual of water levels

Sign up to receive alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge by visiting www.FIMAN.NC.gov and selecting the flood gauge(s) located in local waterways you’d like to monitor in real time. 
Sign up to receive alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge by visiting www.FIMAN.NC.gov and selecting the flood gauge(s) located in local waterways you’d like to monitor in real time.


For current road conditions from NCDOT, visit drivenc.gov 

or follow NCDOT on Twitter or Facebook.  
An image of a car driving on the road with text that reads: drivenc.gov


OBXalerts.com sign up for emergency aletrs from the Town and county

Stay Informed

 If you live, work, or visit Kill Devil Hills or Dare County, sign up for official emergency alerts: www.OBXAlerts.com


Stay informed and follow guidance from trusted sources: 

  • US National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
  • NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
  • NC Emergency Management
  • Dare County Government
  • Town of Kill Devil Hills

Additionally, for your safety, it's important to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Make sure at least one can wake you up!
Infographic on how to stay informed by using a weather radio
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102 Town Hall Drive Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948; Phone: 252-449-5300; Email: rachel@kdhnc.com
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