Governor declares State of Emergency ahead of Erin

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - North Carolina is now under a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Erin.

Gov. Josh Stein made the declaration this afternoon.

“Hurricane Erin will bring threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions,” said Stein. “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.”

Already, Dare and Hyde counties have declared local States of Emergency as mandatory evacuations are underway for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

Right now, Erin is a Category 2 hurricane, but is expected to strengthen as it turns north. Forecasts anticipated the hurricane will cause extensive erosion with waves up to 20 feet.