Erin slightly weaker, tropical storm watches in effect in North Carolina

Desmond Milligan · August 19

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – The 5 AM advisory on Tuesday shows that Erin continues to weaken, but it is still a major hurricane. Life-threatening surf and rip currents across the East Coast of the United States this week, as Erin passes off the coast.

The latest 5 a.m. advisory on Erin shows the center is located 750 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Winds are currently at 115 mph. Erin is moving northwest at 7 mph. The barometric pressure is at 955 mb.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for central North Carolina. The Outer Banks of North Carolina are likely to see tropical storm-force winds (greater than 35 mph) and outer rainbands. Mandatory evacuations were issued in Dare County. On Monday, there were more than 50 rip current rescues along North Carolina area beaches.

High pressure developing over the East Coast, along with a cold front on Thursday, will keep Erin off our coast. The latest GFS (black) and European (white) models are in good agreement with Erin’s offshore position, which, for overnight Wednesday, is estimated to be 300-350 miles to our east.

Locally, impacts will be in the form of dangerous rip currents through the end of the week for the Grand Strand. A high surf and small craft advisory is in effect for today and tomorrow. The Grand Strand could see 5- to 7-foot waves in the surf zone Tuesday night through Thursday, along with 16-30-foot waves 20-200 miles offshore.

Because of this, a small craft advisory has been issued until Thursday. Minor coastal flooding and beach erosion will be possible during high tide cycles. Especially on Thursday night, when the high tide at Springmaid Pier will be near 7 ft, which would lead to flooding in Cherry Grove and Garden City.