State of emergency declared in North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Erin

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as Hurricane Erin makes its way along the U.S. East Coast, his office said.

According to the governor’s office, resources and personnel have been mobilized to provide assistance along the coast while North Carolina prepares for the hurricane’s impacts.

The hurricane’s tropical force winds are expected to reach North Carolina’s coast on Wednesday and Thursday, with most impacts felt on the Outer Banks, according to the governor’s office.

During the next 48 hours, according to the governor’s office, the northbound Hurricane Erin is expected to increase in size and strength. It is forecasted to cause beach erosion from 15-to-20 20-foot waves, coastal flooding and life-threatening rip currents this week.

Prior to the governor’s state of emergency, local states of emergency were declared in Dare and Hyde counties. Mandatory evacuations are also in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.

Warren County Emergency Management’s State Operated Disaster Shelter on 113 Wilcox Street in Warrenton will provide shelter to residents evacuated from the coast. The shelter will also allow pets, according to the governor’s office.

“Hurricane Erin will bring threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous surf conditions,” Stein said in a statement. “North Carolinians along the coast should get prepared now, ensure their emergency kit is ready, and listen to local emergency guidelines and alerts in the event they need to evacuate.”

Stein is scheduled to hold a media briefing on updates of the storm’s status on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.