CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2025) – Carteret County officials continue to monitor Hurricane Erin as it moves offshore. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is in limited activation to coordinate resources and maintain situational awareness. While the storm is not expected to make landfall in North Carolina, its large size means effects will be felt well beyond the storm’s center.
The County Emergency Management Team is coordinating with state and local partners, with additional public safety resources on standby. Residents should be cautious, as ocean swells of 15 to 20 feet, strong rip currents, coastal flooding, erosion, and tropical storm–force winds are expected. A Tropical Storm Warning continues for Down East Carteret County, including adjacent ocean and sound waters along the county coastline. A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for Down East Carteret County, with the potential for one to three feet of inundation in low-lying coastal areas. A Coastal Flood Warning also continues for all of Carteret County. Flooding, large waves, and beach erosion are likely later today or tonight, with winds potentially exceeding 39 mph.
Since Sunday, there have been three ocean rescues on Bogue Banks. Officials encourage residents and visitors to exercise caution around the water and follow local safety guidance. Beachgoers should watch the flag system closely: a red flag indicates higher hazards, and double red flags mean do not swim. Everyone is advised to stay out of the water until conditions improve.
Key safety reminders:
- Stay informed through the National Weather Service, local media, and Carteret County Emergency Management.
- Know your evacuation zone at KnowYourZone.NC.gov.
- Have a disaster kit ready, including medications, important documents, and other essentials.
- Residents near waterways countywide should watch for rising water during midweek high tides and take steps to protect property.
- Never drive through or walk into floodwaters – Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Avoid entering standing water and do not drive around barricades.
- For the latest road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov.
Carteret County Emergency Services staff will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates from the National Weather Service. Residents should follow guidance from trusted sources, including the National Hurricane Center at www.hurricanes.gov and the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx. Local updates will be posted on the county website, social media channels, and shared with local media outlets. For preparedness resources, visit www.carteretcountync.gov or call the EOC at 252-726-7060.
County services are expected to operate as usual this week. Any changes will be shared through email updates, the county website, social media, and local media outlets.
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