Hurricane Erin likely to miss NC, bring dangerous coastal surf conditions

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Based on analysis of the latest computer forecast models for Hurricane Erin Friday afternoon, the closest the center of the hurricane might come to the North Carolina coast would be 330 miles next Thursday.

The farthest away model brings the center of Hurricane Erin more than 550 miles from the North Carolina coast. This is part of an analysis done by CBS 17 Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein.

“This continues the trend showing Hurricane Erin is likely to stay well east of the coast of North Carolina next week,” Hohenstein said.

This means the only impact the state of North Carolina will likely see is large swells on the coast, rough surf and dangerous rip currents next week. Odds are rain and strong wind from the hurricane will also miss our state.

There are still several days to go before this hurricane is near—and changes are possible—so the forecast path will still need to be monitored.

Erin escalated from a tropical storm to a hurricane Friday morning after gaining strength Thursday night, making it the first of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Hurricane Erin is now expected to reach Category 4 strength, which will help the upper-level winds move it north and away from the east coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The system will move north of the Caribbean islands and close to the Bahamas, traveling north likely between the U.S. and Bermuda later next week.

Stay with the CBS 17 Storm Team for the latest updates on Hurricane Erin.