As Hurricane Erin continues to churn off the North Carolina coast, Governor Josh Stein, alongside state emergency and transportation officials, has urgently called for vigilance among coastal residents. In a recent briefing reported by the Governor's office, Stein warned of the imminent threats posed by the storm, including "coastal flooding and life-threatening rip currents." With the State Emergency Response Team on high alert, Stein emphasized the readiness to respond swiftly to any arising situations to ensure the safety of those along the coast.
"While Hurricane Erin is expected to remain offshore, North Carolinians along the coast must remain vigilant as coastal flooding and life-threatening rip currents continue to impact the region,," Governor Stein stated, according to a press release from the Governor's Office Echoing the governor, Director of Emergency Management Will Ray stressed the importance of evacuation, "If you have been asked to evacuate, please do so now before conditions deteriorate and roads become impassable." Ray's statement underscored the danger of underestimating the hurricane's power, especially regarding flooded waters and the risk of driving during such events.
Prior actions taken by Governor Stein, such as declaring a state of emergency, have facilitated the mobilization of resources, with prepositioned swift water rescue teams, National Guard troops, and standby aircraft from neighboring states. This level of preparedness is critical in managing the predicted outcomes of Hurricane Erin, which include severe beach erosion with towering waves, and the potential for tropical storm force winds reaching especially the Outer Banks by late Wednesday and Thursday.
For those displaced by Hurricane Erin, the Warren County Emergency Management has opened a State Operated Disaster Shelter that accommodates evacuees with pets. Keeping the communities informed, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins urged residents to "stay home until the storm passes and it's safe to travel again," reinforcing the message that while much of the storm is expected to remain at sea, the residual effects could still prove hazardous. Hopkins told the Governor's Office, "We have crews ready and are prepared for whatever Erin brings us." In line with this, NCDOT officials have been hands-on in strengthening areas prone to flooding and have kept the public looped in on real-time travel updates through DriveNC.gov.
Finally, residents are advised to take essential measures for safety: being informed through reliable sources, having a disaster kit ready, and following a well-thought-out evacuation plan. According to the Governor's Office, the consensus among officials is clear—heed warnings and avoid driving through flood waters, a stance succinctly captured in North Carolina's emergency motto: "Turn around! Don't drown!"
