Town of Kill Devil Hills Update - Hurricane Erin (3)

Bulletin #5 from Dare County Emergency Management

Post Date: 08/20/2025 2:25 PM

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Tropical Storm and Storm Surge warnings remain in effect for Dare County, with National Weather Service forecasts indicating that tropical storm force winds are expected to reach the area by this evening (Wednesday, August 20, 2025) and continue through Thursday, August 21, 2025.

In addition, 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).

If you are still on Hatteras Island and contemplating evacuating, do so immediately. The window to safely evacuate is closing quickly due to coastal flooding and overwash that has already begun to impact portions of N.C. Highway 12—and is forecast to worsen by this evening and continue to deteriorate. As the 6 p.m. high tide approaches this evening, be ready to shelter in place.

Coastal flooding, storm surge and overwash are expected to begin with this evening’s high tide and continue to build through Friday, August 22, 2025. N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island is expected to become impassable, making it extremely difficult—if not impossible—for emergency services personnel to respond to calls for service on Hatteras Island.

This will be a long duration event for the Outer Banks, impacting N.C. Highway 12 through late week. Significant impacts could continue into Friday, August 22, 2025 due to lingering powerful swell energy and elevated tides.

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.)

Image of a KDH Ocean Rescue Truck parked on the beach with the ocean in the background

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

Lifeguard stands are temporarily being removed from the beach. However, lifeguards are still patrolling by vehicle as conditions allow. If you don’t see a lifeguard and need immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Waves of 15 to 20 feet are expected in the surf zone, with powerful surges pushing water high up the beach. The time between wave sets is short, meaning water doesn't fully recede before the next wave hits. This creates a very hazardous situation, even for those simply walking near the shore. The mix of strong rip currents, heavy shore break, and fast-moving water can easily knock someone off their feet or pull them into the ocean.

As conditions become more dangerous, we urge everyone to use extreme caution when near the ocean.

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Graphic: Stay Protected during storms - bullet points reference safe places, alerts, impacts, and info from officials

Turn around, don't drown! Never drive or walk through flood waters.

View the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service.

Text OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295 to sign up for Outer Banks

beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts.

Stay Informed

For current road conditions from NCDOT, visit drivenc.gov