As Hurricane Erin continues its march up the Eastern Seaboard, weather forecasters are still saying that Virginia's coast will feel the brunt of the storm Aug. 21, with wind gusts of at least 20-30 mph, and dangerous rip currents and storm surges.
The storm's winds increased on the morning of Aug. 20 to 110 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. update as it arrived along much of the East Coast. Winds were forecast to continue increasing to 120 mph, making it a Category 3 storm by later Aug. 20.
Erin is expected to pass about 150-250 miles east of North Carolina's Outer Banks on Aug. 20. That evening and the next day when Tidewater Virginia will be affected, the storm will pass even closer before it takes a more northeastern turn.
With the latest advisory, a tropical storm warning was also issued for the Virginia coastline from the North Carolina border to Chincoteague as the impacts from Erin spread northward.
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The hurricane's projected path takes it between the East Coast and Bermuda. That tiny island nation is about 750 miles off the Virginia coast.
“The dangers at the beach this week should not be underestimated. Dozens of rip current rescues have already been reported along the Carolinas. The force of the rip currents and rough surf along the Atlantic coast this week is life-threatening,” AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said. “Hurricane Erin is producing a tremendous amount of energy that will bring hazardous beach conditions from Florida to New England.”
In the Outer Banks area, Hatteras Island was under mandatory evacuation, while emergency officials began evacuating some of the so-called "4x4" beachfront neighborhoods in the northern part of the region that borders Virginia. Popular tourist spots like Nags Head and Kitty Hawk were not under mandatory get-out orders, but water-activity restrictions are in place.
In Virginia Beach, officials are preparing the state's largest city for high winds and rough currents when Erin passes by. According to media reports, crews scoured the city to clear storm drains and check the tide gates and pump stations.
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At Virginia Beach Town Center, a retail entertainment venue a few miles from the oceanfront, management decided to open four garages for residents who wanted to move their vehicles to higher ground. The parking spots would be available from Wednesday afternoon to Friday morning.
On social media, Gov. Glenn Youngkin urged coastal Virginians to get ready for rough surf, tidal flooding and rip currents that will continue through Friday, Aug. 22.
"Please stay out of the water and follow local guidance on beach access and safety," Youngkin posted..
As for the rest of Virginia, Erin's effects will be something to watch from afar. Forecasters say hurricane-related conditions may stretch as far as Newport News, which is 40 miles inland, but the remainder of the commonwealth should be spared unless the hurricane takes a surprise turn more westward.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at [email protected] or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Tracking Hurricane Erin forecast as it passes by Virginia
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