Hurricane Erin Turns Northeast, but East Coast threats remain
Hurricane Erin Turns Northeast, but East Coast threats remain,
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| Hurricane Erin Turns Northeast |
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Life-threatening conditions from storm surges exist along the East Coast despite Hurricane Erin turning northeasterly and moving away from the United States.
The Category 2 hurricane was located about 370 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and moving northeastward at 20 mph, according to the 5 p.m. EDT report by the National Hurricane Center.
A storm surge warning is in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck in North Carolina, while a tropical storm warning is in effect from Duck to Chincoteague, Va. Bermuda also is under a tropical storm warning.
"This is a life-threatening situation," the NHC reported. "Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions."
The NHC cautions those in affected areas to "promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials."
Forecasters warned that storm surge and large waves could cause beach erosion and make some roads impassible along the Outer Banks.
Swimming and other water activities should be avoided due to rip currents and the potential for coastal flooding as the highest high tide is expected on Thursday evening, accompanied by between 2 and 4 feet of storm surge inundation along the Outer Banks.
