Despite the fact that landfall is not anticipated, one county emergency manager is worried about the effects Hurricane Erin will have on nearby coastal communities in eastern North Carolina.
Our main worries right now are rip current, beach erosion, and possible flooding on North Topsail, stated Brad Kinlaw, director of Onslow County Emergency Services.
Kinlaw stated that they are getting ready for the risk of hazardous surf and, more significantly, potentially fatal rip currents, even though the storm’s center is predicted to remain offshore.
Of course. Of course. And in an effort to deter people from visiting the beach and entering the ocean, we promoted that by closing the county beach access points. In particular, he stated, “It is a very, very dangerous rip current.”
Ocean overwash, coastal flooding, and beach erosion are probable, he warned, particularly along beaches that face east and southeast.
“There is a chance that some overwash will affect some travel, particularly along North Topsail Island,” Kinlaw continued. We don’t anticipate anything significant, but there might be some localized flooding and pockets of water on the interior routes if some of these rain bands make it ashore.
He is advising people to avoid the waterfront until the storm has passed and the weather has improved because of this.
As the storm gets closer, Kinlaw added, it’s critical to pay attention to the information that is available. Simply pay attention to reliable sources, including the media, your agency, and ours,” he stated. And not some of these crazy social media websites that genuinely aim to create a lot of excitement.
He stated that although extensive flooding is not anticipated, isolated areas of roadways close to the coast may experience hazardous driving conditions due to floods.
“Turn around,” Kinlaw replied, echoing the Weather Service’s admonition. Avoid drowning. Don’t go if there is water across the road, and don’t pay attention if Google Maps still indicates that you should go.
