New York, Aug 19 (AP) Hurricane Erin has disrupted vacations as tourists on North Carolina's Outer Banks were forced to leave early, despite predictions that the powerful storm will remain offshore. On Monday, Erin unleashed rain and wind across parts of the Caribbean.
Authorities have ordered evacuations on some barrier islands along the Carolina coast, cautioning that the storm could cause perilous rip currents and inundate roads with waves reaching 4.6 meters. Watches for tropical storms and storm surges were issued for much of the Outer Banks on Monday.
At Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, North Carolina, officials reported rescuing at least 60 swimmers from rip currents on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Tourists and residents faced lengthy waits at Ocracoke Island's ferry dock—the only exit besides air travel. Seth Brotherton from Catfish, North Carolina, cut short his fishing trip after evacuation orders were announced, stating, "they said 'mandatory' and that pretty much means, 'get out of here.'"
Though forecasters predict Erin will turn northward and avoid the eastern US, it is still expected to produce high waves and tropical force winds along coastal islands, according to Dave Roberts from the US National Hurricane Center in Miami.
As of Monday, Erin intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 225 kph. It impacted the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeast Bahamas. By Monday night, winds decreased to 200 kph, with Erin located about 1,110 kilometers southwest of Bermuda and 1,255 kilometers southeast of Cape Hatteras.
Turks and Caicos officials suspended services and instructed residents to stay home on three islands, also closing some ports.
In North Carolina's Outer Banks, coastal flooding is expected from Tuesday through Thursday. Evacuations started Monday on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke, hitting during peak tourist season on the vulnerable low-lying barrier islands.
Previously, Hurricane Ernesto caused significant coastal damage despite staying miles offshore. Concerns exist that the ongoing high surf, winds, and waves might compromise parts of the main highway. Authorities have warned that some routes risk becoming impassable for several days.
This evacuation is the first for Ocracoke since Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which reportedly caused the island's most severe damage in history. Tommy Hutcherson, owner of the island's sole grocery store, remains optimistic but cautious given the past experience.
Scientific studies have linked the rapid intensification of Atlantic hurricanes to climate change, with global warming increasing water vapor in the atmosphere and raising ocean temperatures, providing hurricanes with the raw energy to enhance more quickly.
Daniel Pullen, a photographer based on Hatteras Island, has already lost work due to the evacuation. He hesitates to leave, fearing extended isolation if Highway 12 is damaged.
Pullen remarked, "It's a bit like Russian roulette," pondering the risks of either braving the storm or being stranded off the island for an indefinite period. Many residents cannot afford extended stays elsewhere.
Erin, the Atlantic season's first hurricane, had escalated to Category 5 with 260 kph winds before diminishing. It is projected to remain a substantial hurricane through midweek.
Richard Pasch from the hurricane center stressed the storm's danger due to its fluctuating intensity. Bermuda is expected to face the worst conditions Thursday evening, with waves potentially reaching 7.3 meters, according to Phil Rogers, Bermuda Weather Service director.
Acting Minister of National Security Jache Adams urged surfers, swimmers, and boaters to avoid the hazardous waters, emphasizing the risks.
Erin's edges brought heavy rain and tropical storm winds to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Sunday, causing widespread power outages. (AP) GRS GRS
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)