Mandatory Evacuation Ordered In North Carolina Due To Hurricane Erin

A State of Emergency has been issued by the Hyde County Board of Commissioners for Ocracoke Island, North Carolina due to the expected flooding that will come from Hurricane Erin and the impacts that it will have on Highway 12. The order is effective as of Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

The board also ordered two mandatory evacuations. For visitors, they have to leave the area immediately, while residents need to begin evacuations Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. (RELATED: Hurricane Erin Expected To Restrengthen After Downgrading To Category 3)

It’s expected that Hurricane Erin will remain off the coast, however, the storm will be increasing in size and it’s anticipated that it will have impacts on the coastline of Ocracoke that will be life-threatening. Highway 12 will also be rendered impassable.

Hyde County Press Release – Hurricane Erin #1: State of Emergency and Mandatory Evacuation of Ocracoke – Flood Watchhttps://t.co/bncmBPKjFa pic.twitter.com/soKeWPkxvB

— County of Hyde, NC (@HydeNC) August 18, 2025

Ocracoke has already been issued a Coastal Flood Watch. As early as Tuesday, it’s expected that coastal flooding and ocean overwash will start and last until Thursday. It’s likely that protective dune structures along the highway will be destroyed by waves towering over 20 feet, and as a result, parts of Highway 12 in Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands will be impassable for days.

It’s also anticipated that Erin will bring dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, as well as extremely high rip current risks.

“Now is the time to make final preparations, secure property, and evacuate with all personal belongings,” reads the Hyde County press release. “It is extremely likely that Hyde County EMS services will not be available in Ocracoke due to Highway 12 being inaccessible. Please take this warning seriously, especially if you have medical issues or are likely to need special care.”