Hurricane Erin prompts evacuations across the NC coast as residents brace for impact

On Monday, visitors were asked to leave Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Residents will join the evacuations on Tuesday.

Despite the risks, not everyone is leaving.

“It’s all wait and see,” said Rick Shaftan. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

Homes and homeowners like Shaftan are waiting to see what Hurricane Erin brings to a town that’s become famous as the Atlantic swallows it up, bit by bit.

Last year alone, six homes were demolished or washed away. Construction crews have warned that two others are at risk of imminent failure as Erin approaches.

But Shaftan, who lives further inland, said he’s not worried – at least about his house.

“The real problem is you’re not going to be able to get out, so you’re going to have to be able to survive for a few days on your own with what you have,” he said. “I mean, you may not be able to get down the street.”

Dare County officials are warning that Hatteras Island, where Rodanthe sits, could be cut off by the 5 p.m. high tide on Tuesday.

Monday, Hurricane Erin brought high surf, but nothing strong enough to block roads just yet.

Davis Burke is a Manteo resident and surfer who, like dozens of others, was drawn to the rough and big waves.

“They’ve been pretty good, water’s warm, it’s getting bigger,” Burke said.

Burke lives outside the evacuation area, but officials are warning people across the Outer Banks to pay close attention as Erin’s winds, waves, and water creep closer.

Mandatory evacuations for residents on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands are set to start Tuesday at 8 a.m.