As Hurricane Erin makes her way across the Atlantic, Carteret County officials are keeping a close eye on the storm.
Although the center of Erin is expected to stay offshore, authorities from Carteret County Emergency Services said that people should be on guard and take precautions right away because of the storm’s westward track and strengthening, which have raised the risk of coastal impacts this week.
It is anticipated that hazardous circumstances will start on Tuesday, peak on Wednesday and Thursday, and then progressively improve towards the end of this week.
All local beaches are expected to experience life-threatening rip currents, with highly severe surf creating waves as high as 15 to 20 feet. Major beach erosion, coastal flooding, and ocean overwash are likely, according to emergency management, particularly in beaches that face east and southeast.
Water levels may rise rapidly at high tide, officials said, so residents of Down East villages and those living close to rivers should be particularly aware of the potential of flooding during midweek tide cycles.
They warned that midweek tropical storm-force gusts could send water into the sound, resulting in localized floods and power disruptions.
Flooding and overwash can cause temporary closures of low-lying highways.
